FOLLOWING REYNA’S LEAD
FROM BACK PAGE the first Stateside star to make the move to Glasgow. Since then Maurice Edu, DaMarcus Beasley, Carlos Bocanegra, Gedion Zelalem, Emerson Hyndman and Matt Polster have also made the transatlantic switch.
Sands, 21, sought out his former Big Apple mentor Reyna – who issued the 21-year-old his first professional contract during his previous job as NYC’s general manager – for advice before agreeing to cross the pond himself.
He said: “Rangers have a great tradition of American players who have done well and made an impact.
“When I knew Rangers were interested I gave Claudio a call and he gave me great advice.
“He told me what it was like and how great his experience was. That was a motivating factor.
“If I can make anywhere near the impact he made then it will be successful for me and the club.”
Sands leaves a club only formed seven years ago but has been blown away by the history and tradition of his new surroundings.
Asked about his first look at Ibrox, he said: “It was amazing, something you don’t really experience or see in the US much.
“Walking through it, you see the stands and the trophy room and get a sense of how historic the club is and how much the winning culture has impacted it.
“That was super impressive and I can only imagine what it sounds like when it is full in there.
“I am pretty excited to get going. I can’t wait (to play). The passion the fans have is second to none.
“That will be a new experience for me but definitely something I am excited about. They have high expectations for the team but so far the team is doing pretty well to match those expectations.”
Sands leaves his home city on a high after helping ex-Celtic boss Ronny Deila lead the club to their first MLS crown last month.
And the Gold Cup winner with the US last summer hopes to add yet another medal to his collection in this campaign.
He said: “Coming from the off-season in MLS, I’ve had a couple of weeks to get back into shape and into the swing of things.
“It’s the middle of the season here so it is making an impact, helping the team any way I can and making sure we finish the season with a trophy.”
Gers face competition from south of the border to win the race for Souttar.
The Hearts ace is set to open talks in England with a select few clubs and as many as 10 are understood to be interested.
But the defender has not ruled out remaining in Scotland with Ibrox bosses keen to snap up the Jambos star on a Bosman.
Stoke – where brother Harry has spent the last five years – Blackburn, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United are among the frontrunners.