Payback time for Capucho

Rangers winger Nuno Capucho has failed to rise to expectations since his arrival at Ibrox – but he insists he is ready to prove the critics wrong.

Capucho signed for Rangers after FC Porto’s UEFA Cup win over Celtic, and expectations were high that the Portuguese star would have a massive impact at the club.

Instead, he struggled to adapt to the Scottish game – attracting a welter of criticism from pundits as Rangers suffered a slump in the domestic league and in Europe.

Capucho made a breakthrough in winning over the Ibrox faithful in their last game against Kilmarnock when his late goal snatched the three points – and now he is determined to show he can be a success at Rangers.

He said: “The Rangers fans are fantastic, and I want to do well for them because they have given me great backing.

“I think they knew I was not playing at my best. But they supported me, and I appreciate that. Now it is time for me to pay them back and I hope I can do that.”

Capucho has had to put the flak to one side and concentrate on what he does best.

“Criticism is normal in football,” he said.

“If you don’t produce your best you can expect to be criticised.

“Every player has experienced this in his career, and I am no different.

“I respect the critics because they have to write and talk about what they see. What I want to do now is force them to change their minds about me.

“I know I have things to prove – but I promise the Rangers fans I am ready to do just that.”

Meanwhile, Rangers boss Alex McLeish has revealed talks are already under way to secure star youngsters Chris Burke and Steven MacLean on new contracts.

Burke has already made the breakthrough to the first team this season, while MacLean has netted 14 goals during his loan spell at Scunthorpe.

McLeish told the Rangers News: “We have spoken about securing Burkey and Steven on new contracts, and it’s something we would like to get sorted in the near future.

“Chris has shown he has a bright future, and I know he has relished his involvement with the squad this season.

“What we have to do is make a decision on whether we bring Steven back from Scunthorpe in January or whether we leave him there.

“I will look at the situation nearer the time. If we don’t bring anyone in during the transfer window then it may be that we would like to recall Steven.”