‘Natural leader’ Arfield ready for Ibrox challenge

SCOTT Arfield feels he left Scotland a “wee boy” and returns a “natural leader” who is ready to meet the expectations of playing for Rangers.

The former Falkirk midfielder has signed a four-year contract at Ibrox after leaving Burnley on a high following their seventh-place finish in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old spent eight years in England with Huddersfield and the Clarets and is excited about the prospect of returning to his native land at a fascinating time for his new club.

“I left a good player, I have come back a far better player – mentally, physically,” he said.

“I think I have come back a more natural leader. I went down there almost like a wee boy.

“I fully believe I can handle the expectation at a club like this. When you come here you expect it – and I’m ready.”

Arfield revealed interest from Rangers first materialised several months ago. “As soon as interest came in, it was something I wanted to jump on,” he said. “There were a few options in England that could have crept up but as soon as this magnitude of club came in, and coming back up the road was something that appealed to me and my family, it was a no-brainer.

“I have been down there for a number of years and I felt I had to come back up to a club that is only going to go on to better things.”

Arfield’s excitement intensified when he discovered Steven Gerrard was going to be his new manager.

“If you don’t get excited by it, you shouldn’t walk through the front door,” he said. “With Gary McAllister as well, it’s exciting times and I’m so happy to be part of it.”

Ziggy Gordon