Reborn Rangers ace Fashion Sakala wants Gio van Bronckhorst to let him loose on Liverpool in the Champions League.
The Zambian was given his first start of the season yesterday against St Mirren at Ibrox and produced a man-of-the-match display. Sakala set up Antonio Colak, who grabbed a double, before scoring Gers’ fourth in a 4-0 victory.
Now, the 25-year-old says he’s ready to be unleashed on Liverpool who are in Govan for a Battle of Britain part two on Wednesday night. Sakala admits he’s had to endure a tough few months out in the cold at Rangers, but he’s told van Bronckhorst that he’ll play anywhere across the front line to get a game. Sakala said: “I’m looking to start. I always respect the decision of the boss. If I start, I’ll appreciate it or if I’m on the bench I’ll appreciate that too.
“But I’m always looking to get my chance. If he gives me a start against Liverpool, I’ll be ready. I hope to start but it’s his decision. I’m OK to play in all of the attacking positions even though I’m used to playing as a striker. But playing on the wing is one of the advantages I have here.
“Can I play as a striker instead of Antonio? No chance! No chance for me. I appreciate playing on the right because I can see there’s big competition up there with Antonio and Alfredo Morelos. I don’t compete with the strikers any more so I’ve been trying hard to work on the wings. I just feel good to be back in the line-up. This was the first game I’ve started this season.
“I have a good relationship with the coach, he’s always pushing me to work extra hard in training and I do. I appreciate that he’s given me the chance to prove myself again and his trust in me. It’s been a difficult time for me over the past few months but the staff and players have been there for me. In the first half today, I wasn’t 100 per cent. I was trying to get into the rhythm of the game.
“But after a few conversations with the boss, I think I got it right. “Everything went well in the second half. The manager helped me by telling me where I need to be with my position on the pitch. I feel I’m getting there now. I’m not there yet but I’m on my way to 100 percent performance. The most important thing for the team today was the win. Looking at the game on Wednesday, it’s a big game. But we’re a big club so we’re always looking to get a result.”
Sakala revealed that Rangers skipper James Tavernier has been a key figure in keeping him motivated even when he was out the side. He said: “The most important thing about Tav is his leadership, it’s amazing. Not only on the pitch but outside too, he’s been there for me. When I was having a difficult moment and not playing, he called me and had a conversation. We’d meet up and have conversations. That was so important.
“When I was given the chance to play today, we spoke again and it’s amazing to get such words. He told me about my qualities and what I can bring to the team. He’s such a good leader to have.”
