Candeias doesn’t miss old boss
Daniel Candeias insists he was never worried about his Rangers future – even when the man who signed him got the sack.
The Portuguese winger was brought in by Pedro Caixinha last summer as part of a foreign legion of new signings.
And despite his old gaffer’s demise last October, Candeias has been a consistent performer for new Ibrox manager Graeme Murty.
The ex- Porto and Benfica wide man helped Gers move just six points behind league leaders Celtic with a 2- 0 win over Hearts at Ibrox yesterday.
And he said: “I wasn’t worried that I’d have to move when Pedro left. My heart is with Rangers, not the coach.
“I wasn’t concerned any more than the other players when he went. Pedro left because of results. What happened in the Europa League [ losing to tiny Progres Niederkorn from Luxembourg] was a catastrophe.
“After everything that happened at the club, to be back in the Europa League, that was a major blow.
“All coaches live and die by their results so while I didn’t want Pedro to leave, results made it difficult.
“But I’ve got to thank him for bringing me to this great club. I’m happy here and I want to continue to play well for Rangers.
“My own form has been good. But the most important thing for me is to help the team.”
Candeias has embarked on a nomadic career since starting out at Porto as a kid.
Rangers are his 13th club after stints in Portugal, Germany, Spain, France and Turkey.
But the 29-year- old – who has the most assists in Scotland’s top flight – feels settled in Glasgow.
He said: “I have moved about a lot in my career because the big teams in Portugal always look to send players out on loan. When I signed for Benfica in 2014 it was always going to be difficult to play regularly. I thought I had the quality to play there but the coach felt it was important for me to go out and get games.
“I don’t like moving a lot but I didn’t have much choice.
“Now, I’m settled at Rangers and that stability is important. I want to stay for more than one season.
“I’ve learnt that you have to be a winner at this club in every game.
“Of course, the Scottish game is more physical and there are a lot of long balls. In Portugal it’s more technical. But the style suits my own style of play. And apart from the weather, I am enjoy ing everything about Scotland.”
Candeias has formed an impressive partnership with rightback James Tavernier and rates the stand-in Ibrox skipper as one of the best he has played with.
He’s also convinced Gers can stay within touching distance of Celtic.
Candeias added: “Tav is a great player and when you play with great players, it’s easy. He’s definitely one of the best I’ve played with.
“Of course it’s possible to catch Celtic. Our team is strong and we’re playing well. It would be fantastic to win a trophy.”