OLIVER ANTMAN says it was a special moment to mark his Rangers debut in midweek and says there is more to come as he gets to know his teammates.
The 23-year-old produced a dazzling display on his first Gers appearance to help the side to a convincing first leg triumph over Viktoria Plzen in UEFA Champions League qualifying.
He won a spot-kick in the first half in which Cyriel Dessers converted before turning provider for Djeidi Gassama to add a third for Russell Martin’s side shortly into the second period.
Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish Premiership clash against Dundee in Govan, the Finnish international said: “My first Ibrox experience? It was very special. I liked it a lot. You can feel the history in the stadium.
“I’ve already heard from the players that it could be better than what it was on Tuesday, but it was still incredible.
“I haven’t had many big training sessions. It has mostly been tactical or meetings.
“It is a very professional place where the standards are high. That’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed.
“I’m really glad that the first game went well.
“The first half, I didn’t have many tactical meetings before the game; just the normal things and nothing so detailed.
“At half-time I was told to make more deep runs and stay more wide. The last goal that we scored, the 3-0 goal where I assisted, was exactly what I had been told. It was a big thing.
“Anywhere you go it takes time to adapt a little bit. It felt like I had played with the players for a long time because I felt really good.
“It was my first minutes and I hadn’t even trained with them properly. It will only get better.”
Antman revealed in his unveiling interview earlier this week that he sought the counsel of Mohamed Diomande prior to joining the club after playing alongside the Ivorian at FC Nordsjælland.
However, the winger admits he didn’t need much convincing when Rangers’ interest became concrete.
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He added: “I spoke to [Diomande] a little bit before I came here and asked him what it was like and small stuff.
“He only had good things to say and told me it would be a tougher place than in Denmark. He said I would love it and the pressure here is higher than in Denmark or Holland and that it would be tougher.
“I didn’t have time to talk to [Glen Kamara]. When I heard Rangers were interested I didn’t need that much convincing. I had already made up my mind. My talk with Diomande was telling him that I may be coming.
“Rangers have pretty much always played in the Europa League or Champions League, which makes it an interesting club.
“European games are a big reason why I wanted to come here. To straight away play in Champions League qualifiers was a big thing for me.
“I’ve never played in them before, so it was a big thing for me. It is a big part of why I’m here.”
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