Derek McInnes has revealed that Dujon Sterling aired a grievance about last season during a one-to-one conversation over the summer, and that the defender's anger is now driving his impressive form for Rangers this term.
Sterling, who joined Rangers from Chelsea, saw his campaign last season derailed by injury, but he has emerged as a key figure this term under McInnes, who took over from Danny Rohl. The manager said the 26-year-old was still annoyed at how Rangers allowed their title challenge to collapse last season.
Sterling's grievance and leadership
McInnes said: “When I first came in, I had conversations with a lot of the lads who were here last season. He was one of the lads who still had a grievance about how last season played out. He was still annoyed at how Rangers allowed themselves not to take it right down the line and go to the last few games. He was honest about that and said it was down to them as players.”
The manager added that Sterling, though quiet and reserved, trains right and can get annoyed easily at certain things in terms of standards. “He gives himself every chance to be at his best through how he behaves Monday to Friday. In that sense, he’s a good leader and a good example,” McInnes said.
Impressive form this season
Sterling has already clocked up 10 full 90-minute run-outs this term, seven more than he managed under Russell Martin and Rohl. If he plays just over an hour at Dens Park on Saturday, he will have matched the 1106 minutes he registered during the entirety of last season.
McInnes praised Sterling's defensive qualities, saying: “Dujon was always one I admired from the outside looking in. I thought he was a guy who in one-to-one duels you’d hate to play against. He’s dogged and resilient on the pitch. He’s got great speed, great strength and good experience. He understands the game, anticipates really well and very rarely looks spooked for a defender.”
He added: “I think Dujon’s levels have been so strong. Most teams you come up against have out-and-out wingers and I’d back him against anybody, to be honest, in those sorts of situations. He’s been a big part of our defensive record being strong and I feel fortunate that we’ve got him. We just need to keep him fit.”
Kim's impact and Dens Park trip
McInnes also expects Minsu Kim to build on his impressive start since his £8.5million switch from Girona. The new South Korea cap is yet to produce a goal or an assist, which has taken McInnes aback. “I’m surprised he’s not got an assist, but his impact on the team has been clear,” he said. “He’s difficult to contain, he wants the ball, he works hard for the team and he’s very honest with his work. He’s technically sound. I’m sure he just needs to relax at times and the goals will come for him. We’re not too concerned about that at all.”
Rangers head to Dens Park the night before Sunday’s Parkhead replay of last year’s title decider between McInnes’ old Tynecastle team and table-topping Celtic. But McInnes insists he won’t mention the Celtic Park showdown to his new team, shrugging off suggestions it was an opportunity to apply pressure to their title rivals by going top for one night at least.
He said: “For me, whenever you’re asked to play, whether it’s a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, you’ve just got to try to win your game. Of course, we would rather be in Europe. There was a wee bit of envy watching last night. At the same time, the only real benefit from not being involved, and the only time you feel good about yourself, is if we can be successful domestically. It gives us longer to prepare for games, but it doesn’t guarantee anything. The fact that we’re playing first this time around, I won’t even mention putting pressure on our opposition. I’m more focused on the fact that we need to improve to get another three points.”
