Lee has given Warburton a new option
LEE HODSON set himself two targets last season – and made them both.
Now he’s determined to succeed with an even bigger challenge at Rangers.
The 24-year-old helped Kilmarnock escape relegation, then went to Euro 2016 with Northern Ireland.
He loved being part of Michael O’Neill’s squad in France, and is aiming for a repeat at the World Cup in two years’ time.
But he’ll need to be playing regular football to get an international call-up, and that means displacing either Lee Wallace or James Tavernier from the Rangers’ fullback positions.
He said: “We’ve got two quality full-backs and they proved that last year.
“When I’m given my opportunity, I need to take it and hopefully keep that jersey.
“It may take a while, but I knew that before coming here.”
There’s a certain irony that Hodson first came to Scottish football because he was frustrated at not getting a regular game.
The defender was sitting on the bench at MK Dons, and knew that couldn’t go on if he wanted to go to the Euros.
He recalled: “I knew it was time to get out and play regular football.
“I wanted to give myself the best opportunity to make that 23-man squad.
“I spoke to MK Dons manager, Karl Robinson, and he helped me massively to make the final squad by letting me go out on loan to Kilmarnock.
“There was a lot of pressure on us to keep the club up, but as a footballer you thrive on that.
“It was disappointing to lose the first leg of the relegation play-off, but the manager and the lads had the confidence that we could win the second leg.
“I’m grateful for all that Kilmarnock did for me, allowing me to play regularly.
“They also helped me get a move to Rangers.
“You don’t get a medal for staying up or going to the Euros, but you get memories that you’ll never forget
“I enjoyed each challenge, and the new challenge at Rangers is to win titles and cups.”
Rangers boss Mark Warburton hints that Hodson could occasionally be part of a new formation.
He said: “Lee’s tenacious and I’m delighted to have him here.
“If we wanted to push, for example, James Tavernier on in a wingback role, Lee gives us that option.
“Don’t forget that we went through last season with just two full-backs.
“We had no cover there. But Lee hasn’t come to be cover – he’s here to push Tav and Lee Wallace.
“He’s got no fear. He’s a really quiet, respectful guy – but on the pitch he’s a winner.”