ROBBIE FRASER was instrumental in Livingston’s promotion to the Scottish Premiership on Monday evening and insists he’s ready to kick on when he returns to Rangers for pre-season next month.
David Martindale’s side produced a dramatic second leg turnaround to overcome Ross County in Dingwall, battling back from 2-0 down to prevail 4-2 on the evening and 5-3 on aggregate.
The 22-year-old full-back played every available minute in the play-off run – which included victory over Partick Thistle in the semi-finals – and says he relished the pressure in the play-off environment.
Speaking to the official Rangers website, Fraser reflected on a thrilling play-off triumph: “It had all the emotions.
“We had a poor start to the game, but the boys battled back, showed great character, and we rightfully deserved to win the game and gain promotion.
“We felt pretty good and that we had done enough to take a lead up to Dingwall; we conceded in the last kick of the game in the first leg.
“We had confidence in ourselves and belief, and we knew the goal was to win the game.
“We always felt we had to score up there, regardless of whether we were winning or losing.
Fraser made over 20 appearances for the west Lothian outfit after joining the club on loan in January.
Indeed, the full-back netted on his first start for the side – and first home appearance – with a composed finish in a 2-1 victory over Airdrieonians.
However, the 22-year-old impressed more for his defensive nous and capacity to support attacks with his overlapping runs, underlined by his assist for Scott Pittman’s opener in Livingston’s first leg victory over Partick Thistle in the play-off semi-final earlier this month.
Alongside the experience of former Gers defender Danny Wilson and Ryan McGowan in the backline, Fraser also helped Livi register the best defensive record in the second tier.
He continued: “I thought the level of the Championship was extremely high.
“It’s a really demanding league and very competitive, as you could see from the outside.
“Even going into the play-offs and then playing against Ross County, there’s not a great deal between the bottom half of the Premiership and the top half of the Championship. It shows you how competitive Scottish football can be.
“I really needed to learn the physical side; long balls and second balls. Each game was different in the Championship; one game can be ball on the ground with a good pitch and then the next game can be long balls and fighting for scraps.
“At Rangers, it’s more possession-based and you’re trying to take the game to other teams. I just had to adapt in any way possible.
“I feel that we got into the position that we did because we adapted well [to the circumstances].
“We got good results because we changed our style at times.
“We had the personnel to do it as well and had a really good group with excellent players.
“How was my relationship with David Martindale? He’s quite hands-on and wants to speak to you one-to-one.
“He spoke to me a lot, and he took a lot of interest in me given he wanted me back in January.
“I felt that I perhaps may have been rotated a little bit more, simply due to the fact there were other players in my position and my age, but I felt it was a case with the manager that if you performed well, you stayed in the team.
“He put a lot of trust in players that if they performed well then he kept the same side.
“I’ll miss the environment, the staff, and the group of boys. It was exactly what I wanted: to go out and prove myself. I firmly believe I’m capable of playing for Rangers.”
It was a little over 12 months ago that Fraser marked his Rangers debut in a league victory over Dundee at Ibrox.
Further appearances followed under the tutelage of former manager, Philippe Clement, including in January’s 3-0 Old Firm victory.
However, the opportunity for increased game time and to join Livingston in their quest for immediate promotion back to the top-flight was too good to resist.
Crucially, Fraser believes he’s a better player now than before making the loan switch, and he says he couldn’t be more excited to return to the Light Blues this summer and make an impression.
He added: “I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll firstly enjoy my break and switch off, but I’ll be preparing as hard as ever to go in as ready as I can be.
“There’s a lot of excitement and fresh eyes, so it’s about keeping myself in the best shape possible and trying to impress.
“I feel in a much better place in all parts of my game. I was also able to stay fit when I was out on loan, which is important for any manager coming in and seeing that I’m fit and available.
“I’ve got the games under my belt and have experience, so I’m in a good place to go and kick on at Rangers.
“I wanted to prove that I could get a run of games to show what I can do at both a consistent level and the top end of a league.
“It went almost perfect, but I know it’s a massive season going back to Rangers.”