I feared my Ibrox career was over when Caixinha was boss. Now I’ve a new energy

SAYS DANNY WILSON

FOR Danny Wilson, the change in fortune created by a change in manager could scarcely have been more profound. Frozen out following Pedro Caixinha’s expensive and flawed overhaul last summer, the 26-year-old reached October without starting a single game. That bleak situation left Wilson fearing his time in a Rangers jersey had reached its end.

Remaining positive about the future became increasingly difficult as Caixinha posted squad lists in which his name didn’t even make the bench. With a contract expiring at the end of the season, there seemed to be no way back.

Then came the end of a failed experiment. Caixinha’s dismissal must have given Wilson hope in itself, even if the defender is too worldly to say so. Just as important, however, was the choice of successor.

Initially installed on an interim basis, Graeme Murty turned to Wilson for the first game of his second spell in charge. One confident away victory over Hearts later and the Scotland cap began to feel a whole lot better about life.

Wilson’s inclusion that day may have been aided by a suspension to Bruno Alves, but it was a chance he wolfed down with the hunger of a famished man. The consistent run that followed must have felt like a royal banquet.

It has certainly been savoured. By the time of Rangers’ last game before the winter break, Wilson appeared in peak form.

Murty’s faith was richly rewarded as the one-time academy graduate led with calm authority to help blank out Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths in the goalless draw at Celtic Park.

‘There was a point when I was worried that I wouldn’t get back in at all,’ admitted Wilson, who is now targeting a contract extension.

‘I’m realistic. If you’re not playing, you won’t be around for much longer, especially the way things were going at the club.

‘There was a period when I thought it wouldn’t happen for me and I’d need to look to move on.

‘But, thankfully, I’ve had an upturn in my fortunes and I’ve played in the last 12 games. I’m happy to be involved again and I want to contribute going forward.

‘You have to try and be as positive as you can but it can be difficult, there’s no doubt about it. When you’re not even included in squads, you start thinking that your time’s up.

‘I’ve got another opportunity now and, hopefully, I’ve done enough to merit staying in the team in the future. Ultimately, that’s where I want to be — staying here and playing games.’

Murty had a close-up view of how Wilson handled his exile. Then Under-20s coach, he would recruit the defender to play in front of a handful of spectators.

There was no sulking. Instead, Wilson offered the benefit of his experience to young colleagues, coaxing them through matches.

‘The manager never sat me down but when I wasn’t playing I’d go and play for the Under-20s when he was in charge of the team,’ he recalled.

‘What you get with him is a great deal of honesty. I was fortunate that I had to play in his first game against Hearts because he was so short of defenders.

‘I’ve tried my best to stay in and I have to thank him for sticking with me. We’ve never had a big conversation but he wants his players to take responsibility. All he’s told me to do is make myself difficult to drop.

‘I’ve been grateful to the gaffer for giving me an opportunity because, as I said, I’ve been on the outside looking in. I wasn’t getting any game time whatsoever.

‘So I’m thankful to him that he’s put his trust in me to play the games. I’m pleased that I’ve been able to contribute.’

That trust has extended to wearing the captain’s armband. When Alves was injured after just 18 minutes at Parkhead, Wilson stepped up to take command — ensuring David Bates was able to flourish alongside him.

‘I thrive on the responsibility at the back,’ insisted the former Liverpool player. ‘When I’ve been given the armband, it’s been really enjoyable.

‘You never know what might happen in football, nothing’s guaranteed.

‘So to say that I’ve led Rangers out — even only once — that will always stay with me. Other players could have been given it but I’m thankful that it was me.

‘The performance at Parkhead was satisfying. It was pleasing not to concede a goal and when myself and David play with each other, we complement each other really well.

‘I have to give him credit. He was in the same position as me, on the outside looking in.

‘But he’s come in and contributed. He’s applied himself so well and when he came on there was never any doubt in my head about what he could give us against Celtic. He showed that in his performance.

‘I’m delighted for him because he’s a good lad and I get on well with him. Hopefully, he can be involved a lot more than he has been.’

Wilson is happy to take on the mantle of mentor to both 21-year-old Bates and 19-year-old Ross McCrorie.

Those two promising defensive prospects are relative veterans compared to the age at which he made his breakthrough.

Famously, Wilson was just 17 when he forced his way into Walter Smith’s side in 2009.

‘I feel a bit of responsibility to help David and Ross because I’ve been in their position before,’ he added.

‘When I think back to when I came into the Rangers team, the last thing I wanted was to be a burden on the team.

‘It’s the same for them. You see that in the maturity in their performances. They enhance us as a team rather than hold us back. They’ve done really well.

‘Ross has had an extended period in the team and he looks like a player we can’t do without now. That’s how important he’s been.

‘And David’s performed well at places like Pittodrie and Parkhead. If he can keep doing that, Rangers will be better for it.’

What you get from Graeme Murty is a great deal of honesty