Lewis Mayo has a tough challenge ahead at Kilmarnock in the coming season, but it’s the one that he needs.
The Rangers loanee is now at a critical stage in his Ibrox career despite signing fresh terms on a new two year deal, as part of the plan to send him to Rugby Park.
If he is to hit the heights this season against fellow Premiership sides to impress Giovanni van Bronckhorst, he insists it will be in part, due to the influence of Connor Goldson who has assisted his progress up to now.
The Scotland U21 cap was asked about his role models and those he has looked up to. He pinpointed two recent Ibrox senior pros for their leadership:
“Connor was a really good one for me. Being a centre-back and playing alongside him in pre-season was so helpful.”
“One thing Connor always said was about having a robust mentality. You have to accept that you will make mistakes.”
“If you are a centre-half or a keeper, there are consequences when you make mistakes.”
“If you want to succeed then you need to be able to handle it and look past it very quickly. It is all about getting experience of playing games and learning from your mistakes.”
Contest
Those words and more from the full feature, above, are no surprise in terms of a mature figure like Goldson and his seniority in this Rangers team, especially now with his new contract.
The other player singled out by Mayo was Jermain Defoe and it is those class acts whose impact he will be able to tap into in this important loan period.
As well as having a fight for a place in the Kilmarnock team, Mayo knows that his task to make it at Rangers is a formidable one but the new contract should give him belief. He also faces the competition from Leon King, as the fourth choice centre half at Ibrox, who will benefit from training and being around the squad on a daily basis.
It will be an interesting one to watch over the coming months, but the move makes sense for Mayo and Rangers, with Derek McInnes benefiting also by adding the talented 22-year old to his options.
Lewis Mayo signs new Rangers deal✍️
He also agrees Kilmarnock loan switch 🔄
The defender will work under Derek McInnes in Ayrshire as his side return to the Premiership ⬆️https://t.co/3V0F8RtTmz
— The Rangers Review (@RangersReview55) June 23, 2022