THIS time last term, Glen Kamara had only three games - and just one win - to his name with Dundee.
Now he is just 90 minutes away from achieving another ambition in football and earning a crack at the Europa League group stages.
Kamara would start the campaign with a 4-0 victory over Stirling Albion but a 3-0 reverse to Ayr United followed in the Betfred Cup before a single goal separated St Johnstone and Neil McCann’s side in the Premiership a week later.
His fortunes in Dark Blue would rarely pick up and the final stages of his Dens Park career were difficult for the midfielder.
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If there was ever an occasion that proves how far Kamara has come, the play-off round second leg against Legia Warsaw this evening is it.
Rangers have seen off St Joseph’s, Progres Niederkorn and Midtjylland so far and the goalless draw in Poland last week leaves this tie there to be won at Ibrox.
The stage is set for a hero to emerge for Steven Gerrard’s side. After watching Rangers take to the group stages last season, Kamara is now ready to play his part in helping the Light Blues return to that arena.
He said: “You never know, anyone could score the winning goal. Hopefully others can take the pressure of our strikers. That would be helpful.
“I’d be delighted [to play in the group stages]. You want to be at Rangers and play in all the big games, like this week. I’d be excited.
“It’s been a good journey so far. I think I was injured a year ago, so I wasn’t in the best place. I probably never expected to be here, so I’m very happy. I watched the Euro games, Spartak at home, Villarreal away.
“I could never have dreamt a year ago I’d be part of this now. I’m delighted to be here now and hopefully I can contribute. It (Midtjylland) was the kind of night that you’re here for. You can only look forward to those kinds of nights. I’d just say the team’s got stronger. We’ve got a good few signings here and the competition’s strong. It’s a tough, good team.”
The strength and depth that Gerrard has added to his ranks this summer is clear and the competition for places at Ibrox is fierce at present.
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In the middle of the park, Kamara faces a fight with Ryan Jack, Steven Davis, Greg Docherty, Joe Aribo and Andy King for a spot.
And the Finnish internationalist is pleased with the form that his central compatriots have shown in recent weeks as Gerrard’s side have made an encouraging start to the campaign.
Kamara said: “It’s always good for competition, players trying to get into the team and you having to fight for your place. It’s healthy competition which makes the team better.
“He (Aribo) is definitely going to very far. He’s a very good player. Premier League, England. In fact, anything he wants to be. I think he has a lot of attributes that probably not everyone has. He brings calmness to the game, he tackles, he scores goals, he has a bit of everything.
“I’d say he is laidback. We’re tight as friends. Joe’s easy to play with for me, but it’s the same for all the other midfielders. I’m buzzing for Ryan with his Scotland call-up. He deserved it. Since I’ve come in he’s been fantastic, so I’m very happy for him.”
It was at this stage last term that Gerrard endured one of his most frantic fixtures in the dugout as his nine-man side saw off Ufa to clinch a group stage berth.
Ibrox will hope for a more straightforward passage this evening when Rangers look to repeat the achievement.
The Gers more than held their own in Poland last week and Kamara said: “Like the manager said, you’ve just to keep a cool head and be focused and be ready for the game.
“Legia are a good side, they’re organised, they’re a strong team and they’ve got experienced players. It’s a tough game for us.”
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