The mentality behind Rangers' understated summer signing who is 'quietly' winning everyone over
Why Croatian goalkeeper has become such an important figure in the Rangers' dressing room
Derek McInnes believes Ivor Pandur's understated influence has been one of Rangers' biggest assets this season - insisting the Croatian goalkeeper deserves plenty of credit for bringing stability and confidence to his side.
The 26-year-old shot-stopper arrived from Hull City on a four-year contract during the summer and has quickly become an important figure both on and off the pitch at Ibrox. Alongside centre-back Owelthu Makhanya, Pandur has emerged as one of the club's most reliable performers, providing a reassuring presence behind a defence that has occasionally lacked consistency.
His vital contribution was evident again in last weekend’s 1-0 Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory over Aberdeen at Hampden Park, where he helped the Light Blues secure their place in next month's final.
McInnes is particularly pleased that the gloveman has largely avoided the spotlight, with his performances speaking for themselves rather than demanding attention.
“I think he's done so well,” the Rangers boss said ahead of Saturday night's Premiership meeting with St Mirren in Paisley. “The fact I don't really get asked a lot about Pandur, he's just so quietly effective, and I think the players hold such a high regard for him and take confidence from him.
“There's nothing worse — I've been there as a player when you're not sure about your goalie and it affects a lot of what's happening on the pitch. But when you know you've got a good one there, it sends out the exact opposite.”
Pandur continues to earn dressing-room trust
Pandur's value extends well beyond the conventional responsibilities of a keeper for McInnes. His command of the penalty area, ability with the ball at his feet and reliability when dealing with shots have all helped create a greater sense of security throughout the team.
The manager has been particularly impressed by Pandur’s training ground mentality, where his determination to prevent goals remain unwavering regardless of the circumstances.
“His shot-stopping is unbelievable. I watch him in training – every shot has the same importance. He just wants to keep the ball out of his net and, for me, they're the best types. He doesn't try harder for one shot than he does the next one. Everything is ‘You're not beating me’. I think he plays the game that way. He's been brilliant.”
While Pandur's performances have offered plenty of encouragement, Rangers' attention now shifts towards maintaining their domestic momentum ahead of a crucial period in the campaign.
Their victory over Aberdeen secured a place in the Premier Sports Cup final against Hibs, giving McInnes the opportunity to move a significant step closer to delivering silverware in his first season in charge.
And he believes reaching the December showpiece should be recognised as an achievement in itself, particularly given the importance of restoring the club's expectation of regularly competing for major honours.
“It's not easy getting to a cup final, and the fact that we're there now, you've got to try and be pleased with that,” he admitted. “I think the whole club — I was at the Charity Foundation ball on Sunday — and everybody's so excited about going to the cup final, and that's where we should be.
“It should be the norm that we should be feeling that we're turning up at cup finals and putting ourselves in a position.”
McInnes: Reaching a cup final cannot distract my players
However, McInnes is determined that the excitement surrounding a return visit to the national stadium should not distract his players from the immediate task of collecting further league points against St Mirren.
With the international break approaching, he knows that momentum can quickly disappear if Rangers allow their focus to drift or become complacent following their cup success.
McInnes concluded: “We'll look forward to it when it comes around, but I think it's important now that we just really focus on this game before we get into the break, because it can easily dissipate, all that excitement and optimism, on the back of the next result. That's how fickle it is. You've got to stay on the job.”