After moving to Ibrox last summer, Josh Windass has struggled to live up to much of the hype that accompanied his move from English side Accrington Stanley. The 23-year-old was tipped to be an important player in Mark Warburton’s side last season but, for a variety of reasons, struggled to make a real impact on the side in his first season. With Warburton gone and a new manager in his place, it looked as though Windass was on the way out of Ibrox after being linked with a number of clubs south of the border but seems to have won over new boss Pedro Caixinha as the Portuguese heads into his first full season in charge, however, just where does Windass fit into Caixinha’s plans?
Since joining Rangers Windass has been used in a variety of roles in midfield but none seem to have allowed him to flourish with even the player admitting he’s not been used in a role in which he is comfortable. During preseason this year, Windass looks to have become a totally different player from the one who was much-maligned last year; a goal and standout performance against Sheffield Wednesday being the high point so far. Barrie McKay’s move to Nottingham Forest has opened up a spot wide on the left of Caixinha’s midfield, and although Windass would prefer to play further forward, it might just be a role which suits him down to the ground.
The absence of an out-and-out left sided midfielder, assuming Jamie Walker doesn’t sign before the transfer window closes, could be the opportunity Windass needs to meet the standards expected when he first moved north and become an integral part of Pedro Caixinha’s squad and with his admission that ‘s The absence of an out-and-out left sided midfielder, assuming Jamie Walker doesn’t sign before the transfer window closes, could be the opportunity Windass needs to meet the standards expected when he first moved north and become an integral part of Pedro Caixinha’s squad and with his admission that he's more comfortable playing as part of the forward line rather than midfield could even see him used in a more advanced position as the season progresses; Kenny Miller isn’t getting any younger and Ryan Hardie can’t seem to get a look in so that only leaves Eduardo Herrera & Alfredo Morelos.
Could Windass become the player we all hoped he would? We can only wait and see but, if his preseason performances are anything to go by, he’s much closer than he was six months ago.