Sakala Fashion: I’m back to full fitness and regaining my confidence – I have a lot to offer Rangers

However, manager Steven Gerrard was disappointed that his men, who dominated the 90 minutes, were unable to convert the more chances they created in the final third and win the game.

Rangers also lost their opening Europa League group game against French rivals Lyon 2-0 on Thursday night after failing to take full advantage of the scoring opportunities they created.

The 24-year-old Zambian forward, making just his second start at the weekend, is looking to contribute more now that he is fully fit and adding to his goals tally for the 2021/22 campaign.

“I think that was the beginning of me gaining my confidence,” he said. “It was a good feeling. So I was very happy when I scored, but after the game I was disappointed because we didn’t win.

“I’m in the process of learning. I can’t say I’m the answer, but as a striker I know my mission. And his mission is always to help the team. That’s what we always do in training. All the strikers always work together to ensure that we succeed.

“Scoring goals is very important not only for me as a striker but for all strikers. We know what we want and we always work in training to bring results to the team. It’s very important for us as strikers to score goals and help the team win games.”

Sakala added: “I tried to fit into the Rangers style. I also try to bring what I know. With the quality of players we have here, I think I can get better. It was a process for me to learn how Rangers played and how the coach wanted me to play.

“I’m very happy to be honest. Since I came here, I’ve been very happy, very excited. Everything looks bright. I got injured a few weeks ago. I think that’s the only problem that frustrates me a bit. Now I’m really happy. I’m back to full fitness and I’m getting my confidence back. I think I have a lot to offer the club.”

Sakala played in midfield on Sunday as his Rangers team-mate Alfredo Morelos took a slight hit from the game against Lyon – but he stressed he is happy to play in any position in the front three.

“I would say I’m a striker,” he said. “That’s my position, but seeing how we play here, the front three always change positions. I can also play as a winger, that’s okay, I have no problem playing as a winger. Playing as a main striker or winger is both okay for me. I wasn’t affected at all.”

Sakala missed Zambia’s opening World Cup qualifier earlier this month through injury – but he is hoping to do well enough for Rangers in the coming weeks to be recalled by his country.

“His dream has always been to play for the national team and I think it’s a very important honor to play for the national team,” he said.

“Looking at the current situation with Covid it’s a bit difficult because Zambia is a red zone country. I can’t go to Zambia now to play a game there but we have one game in Equatorial Guinea and I can go there because it’s a green zone and I can go there to play one game.

“This is something where good work has to start at the club. I need to make sure that here I perform and work hard for the club and get results. And if I continue to do well here then it will be easier for me to play for the national team.”

“Fashion Junior spoke at the Premier Sports Cup event. Premier Sports is available on Sky, Virgin TV and Premier Player. Prices start from £12.99 per month.”