High-profile Rangers signing still playing key part in McInnes’ Ibrox project despite game time struggles

Rangers boss Derek McInnes has praised Ben Godfrey’s commitment and attitude, insisting the defender remains fully invested in life at Ibrox despite finding regular first-team action hard to come by.

The 28-year-old joined the Light Blues on loan from Serie A side Atalanta during the summer but has so far been restricted to a bit-part role, with Olwethu Makhanya and Emmanuel Fernandez establishing themselves as McInnes’ preferred central defensive partnership.

Godfrey, who previously represented Norwich City and Everton, faces a battle for minutes but has impressed his manager with his professionalism and determination to remain involved.

The Gers manager revealed that Godfrey was among the players whose summer arrivals were already in progress before he took over the reigns, alongside Dan Neil and Ross McCrorie.

McInnes said: “I think initially Ben was obviously quite a big signing for us, quite excited by it. Him, Dan Neil and Ross McCrorie were well down the line when I got the job, so these were ones that were getting done.

“Ben lost his way a wee bit but when you speak to a few managers who have worked with him then you get a chance to work with him, you see exactly his attributes.

“He played a bounce game out here against Dundee a couple of weeks ago and he treated it like a cup final. He epitomises what you want in the squad. The team can only be as strong as the squad behind it, to be honest. He trains right, he’s popular with the lads and he’s just a good type.”

Why Godfrey’s attitude is proving valuable to Rangers

McInnes also highlighted Godfrey’s enthusiasm for the club, explaining that the defender is eager to make a greater contribution despite his current lack of opportunities.

“He’s loving it at Rangers,” McInnes revealed. “He just wants to be part of it and he wants to get more minutes on the pitch, which is the challenge for him.

“He’s been good as gold about the place. But with his pedigree, he came here to play, like all the boys, but you’re not going to be able to keep everybody happy. You can only keep 11 really happy on any given Saturday.

“But the importance of the squad, and Ben knows that, he’s been around the block enough to know that he’s got to be ready when he comes in. The way he trains gives himself the best chance.”

The Rangers boss believes Godfrey’s approach sets an important example to his team-mates, particularly given his experience at the highest level and his determination to maintain standards regardless of selection.

Rangers entered the international break four points behind Premiership leaders Celtic, with a game in hand, and McInnes is keen to ensure his entire squad remains ready to contribute during the campaign.

He added: “I think players will look up to that. Look up to his career, but also look up to him how he trains. There’s no slacking off because he’s not got a game. He trains with motivation.”