Gers gig is just what was needed
EMERSON HYNDMAN has endured a bruising introduction to life at Rangers – both on and off the park.
But Mark Fotheringham reckons that’s EXACTLY what the gifted youngster needed.
Bournemouth loanee Hyndman was a team-mate of Fotheringham’s at Fulham two seasons ago.
“Fozzy” reckons the American star has got the technical ability to mix it with the best midfielders in the world.
But first he must learn how – and when – to drop the fancy stuff and get physical.
“Hyndman is a super player – but he needs to learn to have more presence. That’s why Bournemouth have put him out on loan,” said former Celtic, Dundee and Norwich star Mark.
“He’s special. Technically, he’s up there with your Luka Modric-types.
“He sees things early, he can play off the shoulder of midfielders and pick up great positions, he can execute a pass and he can score goals.
“But it’s when the game gets dirty and somebody needs to throw a tackle in, to get in about the opposition and organise. These are things he lacks.
“I heard Peter Grant say a great thing about him – he’s more of a Celtic player than a Rangers player.
“I agree, he would be better suited to being in a team that’s playing fantastic football.
“That’s why Bournemouth took him from Fulham, because they are a real pass-and-move team.
“Rangers play football too, but it has been a difficult season for them. So the experience will be something different for Emerson, and one that will do him good.”
Fotheringham has just returned to Scotland after a spell coaching at 2. Bundesliga cracks Karlsruher.
His spell in Germany saw him working with a squad full of technically-gifted young players.
But he still believes Scottish football can be a useful proving ground for those, like Hyndman, that need to add a tougher edge to their game.
“Emerson has all the attributes and he has a fantastic attitude – he was always the first in at training and the last out the door,” he said.
“If he can learn the more rough and tumble side of the game in Scotland, that will stand him in good stead.
“He’s definitely got ability – there’s no question about it.”