JAMES SANDS is confident an impressive term with Rangers will help him realise his American dream as he targets a World Cup spot alongside new team-mate Malik Tillman.
The 22-year-old was joined by compatriot Tillman at Ibrox earlier this month as he completed a season-long loan switch from Bayern Munich.
Sands has enjoyed a positive summer campaign for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side as he seeks to kick-on from his first six months in Scottish football last term.
And the versatile midfielder is determined to make a positive impact this time around as he attempts to earn a place in the Stars and Stripes squad for the finals in Qatar later this year.
Sands said: "I’d never actually met [Malik] before he got here. I think he’s just switched recently to play for the US but I have friends who were in camp with him recently and they all said he’s a good player and a very good person. I’m excited to have another American around.
"I think both of us have ambitions to be in the World Cup team so the only way we’re going to get there is by getting games here. I think having someone next to you who shares similar goals is really helpful.
"It’s an honour. Rangers signs only the best players so for this club to have two Americans says a lot about the growth of the sport in the US and hopefully, there’ll be more in the future as well.
"When I was signing here I spoke to Claudio Reyna quite a bit.
"I’m very good friends with his son Gio so I’ve known him for a long time and he obviously told me about how special it is to play here and he emphasised the pressure that is on the players but he said it in a good way.
"I got a nice message from Maurice Edu as well so definitely some Americans reaching out.
"Part of my draw for the national team is being able to play both positions, especially with a 26-man roster.
"I think they will be looking for versatile players but when I spoke to the manager for the US most recently he just said I have to be playing more than I was in the spring to be considered for the team.
"I think that’s an achievable goal so I’ve just got my mind set on that."
