First blood Celts.. now for Rambo
Aaron Ramsey has been making clever career decisions for years.
And ex-Dundee United striker Warren Feeney – a Rangers diehard – hopes the Welshman’s Ibrox loan switch is the smartest yet.
Northern Ireland international Feeney was ‘Rambo’s’ team-mate at Cardiff City.
He watched him star at first-team training aged 15 before knocking back lucrative transfers to major clubs because he craved a proper grounding at the Bluebirds.
That worked a treat when Ramsey later landed a £ 5million switch to Arsenal at just 17.
Eleven years on he became one of Britain’s highest-paid players when he joined Juventus on a free transfer.
But his stay in Turin turned sour and in a decision which sent ripples around Europe, Ramsey opted for a stunning loan switch to Ibrox instead of returning to England – and Feeney was thrilled.
And he is hoping it turns out another shrewd career decision by Ramsey, who became Cardiff ’s youngest ever debutant at 16 years and 124 days in April 2007.
Feeney recalled: “There was a huge buzz about Aaron with Man United, Arsenal and Liverpool
sniffing around, even at 15. But, as a Cardiff boy, he wanted to play for Cardiff. He knew those big clubs would be back.
“Cardiff were a massive Championship club and Aaron knew if he hit the ground running the world would be at his feet.
“Arsenal were a great fit. Great manager, fantastic club and the way Arsene Wenger played football was what Rambo wanted.
“Now he’s rejected Premier League clubs for Rangers because they’re a great club and he wanted to experience that. So it’s a real coup.”
Feeney, back from managing in Bulgaria for two seasons, insists the Welshman must be handed a debut against Hearts today.
He reckons Ryan Jack’s return from injury can be key to Ramsey sparking a Rangers revival after their Parkhead mauling in midweek.
Feeney said: “The insurance you’ve got with Jack can give Rambo a free role to cause lots of damage. Wednesday was disappointing but no one should panic.
“Rambo’s cool head is exactly what Rangers need because he’s world class. I hope he is an outstanding signing.”