- Jayden Meghoma embraces competition with Tuur Rommens, rejecting frustration and focusing on earning his place back.
- Injury to Rommens opens door as Meghoma targets starting role in Rangers’ title run-in.
- Left back credits Danny Rohl’s impact for Rangers’ turnaround from mid-table strugglers to title contenders.
Jayden Meghoma has dismissed any notion of frustration over falling behind January signing Tuur Rommens in the Rangers’ pecking order.
The 19-year-old Brentford loanee was Rangers only recognised left-back option for the first half of the season.
The previous regime of Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell, both since dismissed, sold Jefte, Ridvan Yilmaz and Robbie Fraser, all in the same window.
This left the England U20 international as the only option for the position.
Meghomahad 22 professional appearances to his name prior to his move to Scotland.
He has now added a further 41 to his tally at Ibrox.
Jayden Meghoma faces stiff competition
However, he has fallen behind Rommens in Danny Rohl’s eyes since the Belgian’s arrival from Westerlo.
Now, with Rommens out injured, he is ready to return to the fold after a strong performance against Dundee United last week.
“Healthy competition is always important, it pushes a different side of you,” he explained.
“You figure out what you have to do to get back into the team.
“You can pick a lot of things from a lot of players; you look at what other players are doing to aid your game.
“It is an opportunity [coming back into the side] but as long as we’re winning games, that’s the most important part.”
Falkirk memories
He will start tomorrow for Rohl’s side at Falkirk, in Rangers’ final post-split fixture ahead of the Premiership title run in.
He was left on the bench last time the Gers played the Bairns in Grangemouth, as Martin was axed following a 1-1 draw that left his side eighth in the table.
Meghoma was omitted for Derek Cornelius to operate as an auxilerry left back last time Rangers visited the Falkrik Stadium.
But Meghoma is keen to move on and not dwell on the past.
“Not very fond memories, but it’s all in the past now,” he said.
“We’re a completely different side now. One with a chance to really push for the title.
“It’s an effort from all of us but we know what we need to do.”
He also praised head coach Rohl for the turnaround since he replaced the hapless Martin.
“He’s been instrumental, he’s changed things for all of us,” he revealed.
“From where we were last time, to now, it’s phenomenal.”
Making the move permanent?
He is set to return to Brentford in the summer.
But with rumours of a potential permanent Ibrox move starting to swirl, Meghoma remained coy and focused on the present.
“Brentford have left me to focus on the season, afterwards, we’ll speak more,” he said, shutting the question down.
Read Rangers analysis
Meghoma has netted one goal for Rangers, a piledriving effort at Tannadice against Dundee United, and contributed six assists from the left-hand side of defence.
Rommens has played six matches since his arrival, matching Meghoma with a single goal, but with only one assist.
A position seen early in the season as a problem area, with minimal cover, is now one of Rangers strongest on the park.
The drop off from Rommens to second-choice Meghoma is the smallest across the park, with both set for key roles in a potential title win.
