Former Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram has struggled for form at Rangers because he has been ‘trying too hard’ according to the club’s assistant manager Gary McAllister.
The 27-year-old signed for the Scottish champions on a free transfer over the summer after his contract at Bramall Lane had expired.
However, he started very slowly in Glasgow and was not able to find the kind of form that he showed for the Blades, especially during the first season back in the Premier league.
In his first European appearance for Rangers, Lundstram was sent off before half time in their Europa League play-off first leg against Alashkert. Luckily, the dismissal did not affect Steven Gerrard’s side too much as they were still able to qualify for the group stages.
He has since been able to contribute effectively for the Gers with two strong performances in his last two matches and McAllister admitted that it has taken time for him to adapt.
“It’s about him getting to know the system and positional sense, where we want him to be positioned when we are building,” he said following the midweek victory against Livingston.
“Sometimes his eagerness to try and impact the game or influence the game means he’s running around maybe too much.
“I suppose with more experience and coaching from the guys in and around the football club he’ll definitely get better.”
McAllister also claimed that Lundstram will not have been used to being part of a side that is dominant in possession like Rangers.
“All of a sudden he’s at a club where we enjoy a lot of possession of the football,” said the assistant manager.
“The team he played for, no disrespect to them, didn’t have as much of the ball as we have. There are big differences. I think he’s getting there.
“I think it’s his eagerness and his willingness to actually do well. He’s maybe trying too hard.
“But every day in training he is getting more comfortable in the position and what his role can be in the team. He can play as a six or he can play as a running eight. It does take time.”
After seven games, Rangers are sitting pretty at the top of the table as they look to defend their Scottish Premiership crown.
With their arch-rivals Celtic already seven points behind them, albeit with a game-in-hand, Lundstram will be looking to pick up his first league winner’s medal since 2013 with Doncaster Rovers.
