Daniel Candeias says he’s in no hurry to move on from Rangers

DANIEL Candeias hopes his wandering days are over, because he’s found his footballing home at Rangers.

The Portuguese winger has been sent out on nine loan spells to five different countries during his career.

It looked like he might have been on his way out at Ibrox when fellow countryman Pedro Caixinha was sacked as manager, after only 229 days in charge.

However, the man who celebrates his 30th birthday today, has become an important part of the side under Graeme Murty, and is looking forward to an extended stay with the Light Blues.

He said: “I have moved about a lot because the big teams in Portugal always send out their players on loan.

“Now I am settled at Rangers, and that stability is important for me.

“I’m very happy here, and, normally, you play your best football when you are settled.

“I want to stay here for more than one season.

“When I signed for Benfica it was always going to be difficult to play regularly.

“I think I have the quality to play there, but the coach felt it was important for me to get games.

“I don’t like moving about a lot, but I didn’t have much choice in the matter.”

Was he concerned for his future in Scotland when Caixinha left?

“No. I have a contract with the club, not Pedro,” he stated.

“My heart is with Rangers, not the coach.

“I wasn’t worried any more than any of the other players when the coach left.

“The coach left because of the results. What happened in the Europa League was a catastrophe.

“All coaches, they live and die by their results, so while I didn’t want him to leave, the results meant it was difficult for him.

“I have learnt that you have to be a winner with this club in every game that you play.

“It is difficult playing in Scotland because it is more physical, and there are a lot of long balls

“In Portugal, it is more technical, but I think that the style of football here suits my own style of play.”

He won the Portuguese championship with Porto nine years ago, but only played a handful of matches – doing it while playing every week would be extra special.

Pipping Celtic for the title this term is something he refuses to rule out.

He said: “I think it is still possible. The team is strong at the moment and we are playing well.

“When you play all of the games the trophies always mean more to you.

“I want to win a trophy with this club. It is a great club – with great supporters – and if we win a trophy here it will be fantastic.”