RANGERS FLOP PENA SWITCHES LOAN CLUB

RANGERS midfielder Carlos Pena has been forced to join another Mexican club on loan after Cruz Azul cancelled his year-long switch from Ibrox six months early.

Necaxa have now taken over the remainder of the 28-year-old’s loan period after his former Gers boss Pedro Caixinha axed him following his troubled stay with Cruz Azul.

Pena’s latest switch comes amid reports he had been forced to check himself into a rehab facility run by former boxer Julio Cesar Chavez in order to combat his problems with alcohol.

Necaxa confirmed the move on t h e i r Tw i t t e r account, posting: “Welcome, Carlos Pena to defend these colours.”

Cruz Azul also Tweeted: “Thanks for your service, Carlos! We wish you the best, much success!”

Mario Hernandez Lash, Necaxa’s sports director, has vowed to help Pena fight his demons and rediscover his best form.

He said: “We all deserve a second chance . He became the most soughtafter player i n Mexican football a few years ago and I do not think he has forgotten to play football. You just have to guide him.”

Pena was Caixinha’s marquee signing for Gers last summer but his £2.2 million move turned out to be a costly mistake as he struggled to adapt to life in Scotland.

He managed five goals in 14 outings for the Ibrox outfit but failed to impress with his general displays.