After penning new contract with Light Blues
He is confident it won’t be a major hinderance to his campaign, though, as he attempts to get back in action as quickly as possible and show what he is about for the Gers once again.
“A player’s injuries can be what makes them the player they are and it is a challenge for you to be able to handle it,” Mayo said.
“There is a lot of mental pressure involved that people might not expect when you drop out of the team and you are not involved.
“You are not doing what you are used to doing and what you love so you need to be very patient and diligent to do the rehab and the strengthening work every day. Fortunately this one isn’t too long term and I should be back soon. “Being with the first team is exactly what I want to be doing. Rangers is the team I love, I love football, and I want to have as many first team opportunities as possible.
“When you see your teammates going round, it gives you confidence and belief because you know there is that opportunity. That is what I will be aiming for when I am back and fit.”
The taste of first team action that Mayo has had with Steven Gerrard’s squad has whetted his appetite for what the coming weeks, months and years could bring.
Gerrard is keen to involve the brightest talents from the Academy setup in his Light Blues plans and the grounding those players receive give them the ideal platform upon which to build.
Mayo said: “The first team staff have been excellent with us in terms of taking us round, talking to us and helping us get used to that environment and what they want.
“In the last six months at Rangers, I have played games in the Reserve League, against European opposition and against Scottish first teams.
“So I have the experience of playing lots of different styles of football, which is going to benefit me to go and push at Rangers.
“Last season we had the Games Programme and we were playing against European opposition pretty much every week. This season it has been a variety and even with the Scotland setup I have had a handful of international games.
“That was definitely beneficial to me in terms of challenging me by playing against the best players from not just Scotland but around Europe.”
■ Rangers Academy defender Lewis Mayo is pictured promoting the Rangers Youth Development Company. Since 2002, RYDC profits have been directed to Rangers Football Club’s youth programme - with more than £7.5 million provided in those 16 years.
For full details on their products – Rangers Lotto, Rangers Pools, Rising Stars, Scratchcards, Stadium Bricks and the Youth Members Club – visit www. rydc.co.uk or call 0141 427 4914