RANGERS wideman Michael O'Halloran spent his first six months at Ibrox struggling to fit in.
But now the pacey forward hopes he become a permanent fixture in Mark Warburton's line-up after finally finding his feet in Glasgow. O'Halloran joined the Gers from St Johnstone back in January, but found himself flitting in and out of the Light Blues' matchday squad because of form and eligibility.
Having already featured for Saints in the early rounds of the William Hill Scottish Cup, he was barred from appearing for his new side as they made their run to the final. That cost him the chance to take on semi-final opponents Celtic and an appearance in the May climax with Hibs, which Rangers lost 3-2.
But with those restraints now removed, O'Halloran already looks up to full speed after an impressive start to the campaign and he admits he is now enjoying life at Rangers to the max: "It was disappointing last season when I came in because it was a little stop-start with me being cup tied. It wasn't ideal," he said.
"That's just part and parcel of what happens when you sign in January though. I always knew there was a possibility the club could do well in the cup and I'd have to miss out. But since I've come in, the boys have been fantastic. They welcomed me just as they have welcomed the other lads who have arrived this summer. I've got a good pre-season under my belt this time and the trip to America was good because it helped me gel with the boys a bit more. I'm loving every minute of it now and feel much more settled."
Warburton made nine additions to his squad over the summer, but O'Halloran is not worried about the increased competition for his slot: "It's brilliant, at a big club that's what you come to expect. Everybody wants to play and everybody is fighting for a jersey," he said.
"Obviously, we have got a much bigger squad compared than last season, which I think is needed as well. We are going for three trophies and boys will drop out with injuries, so it's important that you've got good strength and depth and we've certainly got that. It's good for competition. I'm the same as everyone, I want to play, so I'm working hard in training every day to show the manager and the staff. When I'm given the chance and when I go on the pitch, I'm the same, I'm going to go out and give my all and make sure I'm in his head."
The Gers got their Ladbrokes Premiership season off to a less than convincing start last weekend as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Hamilton at Ibrox. O'Halloran has more experience than most of his Ibrox colleagues of playing in Scotland's top-flight following their recent lower league adventures and he has been quick to warn them they will find it just as tough when they come up against Dundee at Dens Park this Saturday lunchtime.
The 25-year-old said: "The Premiership is a good standard. I think it's a step up and there are some really good players and good teams out there.
"Obviously, I can try and pass on my knowledge to a few of the boys, but the manager knows as well how tough it is going to be and he drills that into us every day and lets us know. This is definitely not a league to be underestimated. Everyone is well aware of how tough it's going to be this season.
"We didn't get the result we wanted against Hamilton, but we kick on again for this week and we are looking forward to the trip to Dundee."
