Restored Rangers star on the 'phenomenal' 188-day transformation as unfond memories left in the past

Jayden Meghoma is aware he has a massive opportunity to stake a strong claim to retain the left-back position heading into Rangers final stretch of Premiership fixtures - and is eager to banish memories of his previous visit to Sunday’s opponents Falkirk.

The Brentford loanee returned to the starting line-up in place of the injured Tuur Rommens against Dundee United last weekend for his first start since mid-February.

While many loan players would view such a period out of the team as a major setback in their development, Meghoma’s outlook is different. Instead, he has used the last eight weeks as a chance to reflect positively on what has been a huge learning curve for him this season.

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has been "instrumental" in Jayden Meghoma's development | SNS Group

There were suggestions of an over-reliance on the 19-year-old during the first half of the season, having started the vast majority of games under the previous regime. That all changed following the arrival of Belgian star Rommens in January, who has gone on to establish his place in Danny Rohl’s starting XI.

However, a recent muscle injury sustained by Rommens in training has presented Meghoma with an opportunity to reclaim the jersey and it’s one he is determined not to pass up.

“I would say for me it's all an experience,” Meghoma commented when asked how challenging it has been going from a regular starter to occupying a seat on the bench. “Healthy competition is always important for myself and for Tuur as well. So, to be honest with you, I've enjoyed it because it pushes a different side of you and you kind of figure out what you have to do to get back into the team. It's all a learning experience for me and I've enjoyed it.

“I think you can always pick a lot of things up from different players and Tuur is obviously one of them. You learn things that he does from his past experiences and you look at what other players are doing around the team to aid your game, essentially. But I think over the season, a lot of players have helped me learn new things here and there.

“It’s all about the team. For myself, yes, it's an opportunity (to stake my claim). But as long as we're winning games of football, that's the most important part. And if I can help towards that then that's an amazing achievement for myself.”

Rangers make the trip to Falkirk in the knowledge they could be starting the day in third place in the title race, depending on the outcome of leaders Hearts’ clash with Motherwell and Celtic’s fixture at home to St Mirren 24 hours earlier.

Former Rangers head coach Russell Martin during the 1-1 draw with Falkirk which resulted in his sacking. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) | SNS Group

It will mark their first visit back to the Falkirk Stadium since the 1-1 draw that resulted in the eventual sacking of head coach Russell Martin after he had to be escorted away by police amid violent clashes outside the ground that saw a group of supporters attempt to stop the team bus leaving.

“I don’t have very fond memories of it but it's all in the past now,” Meghoma admitted. “We're a completely different side and we've improved in so many ways. That game stays in the past.

“Every game between now and the end of the season is exciting for us and it's another opportunity to get three points in our push for the title. We're confident and ready to go there this weekend.

“It’s a team effort from all of us. They (senior players) obviously have more experiences than us in these situations, but as a team, we know what we need to do to get through this period and make sure we win all the games possible.”

188 days have passed since Martin’s fate was sealed. At that stage, Rangers occupied eighth place in the league table and sat 11 points behind table-topping Hearts. Since then, the gloom has lifted around Ibrox and replaced by fresh optimism under Rohl.

Given their start to the campaign, Rangers are now in a position few would have expected as they look to clinch their first Premiership title in five years and Meghoma has credited the former Sheffield Wednesday boss for transforming their fortunes.

“He’s been instrumental to our success,” Meghoma declared. “Danny has come in and he's changed things for all of us. You can see it in the group, you can see it with the fans. For us, it's just about pushing on and he's really helped us be in this position. From where we were at the start of the season to now is phenomenal. We have put ourselves in a fantastic position.”