Hel of a wait but Fil hopes he earned his place

FILIP HELANDER never feared he had made the wrong move by joining Rangers. His patience was rewarded with a standout show in the most spinetingling atmosphere he has ever experienced. The Swedish centraldefender, left, came in from the cold to partner Connor Goldson at the expense of Nikola Katic in the 1-0 win over Feyenoord. It was only Helander’s third appearance since his £3.5million switch from Bologna and his first in European competition.

Now he hopes to have done enough to cement a regular place in Steven Gerrard’s starting line-up as they prepare to face St Johnstone tomorrow.

Helander said: “I’ve never been worried about making the wrong choice. I knew it was going to be a battle when I came here. The team has been playing well so it is always difficult to just come in and play regularly. But I am patient and I now hope to play more often.

“The atmosphere against Feyenoord was probably the best I have ever experienced as a player. We got the victory as well so that made it the perfect night.

“I was a little nervous before but we got such a lift from the crowd and they gave us a lot of energy during the match as well.”