Euro adventure excites Lee

22 July 2011 07:11
ee Wallace has declared himself ready to boost Rangers' European hopes after beating Thursday's Champions League deadline to join the Gers.[LNB] The 23-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year deal after a fee of £1.5million was agreed with Hearts following two previous failed attempts by Rangers to land the defender.[LNB]The left-back could make his debut against his former club in the Scottish Premier League opener at Ibrox at lunchtime on Saturday, before facing Swedish side Malmo in next week's Champions League qualifier.[LNB]Wallace was in the crowd when Rangers battled out a goalless draw against Manchester United in the tournament last season and is now determined to have a part to play on the pitch this time around for the Light Blues.[LNB]He said: "Going to Old Trafford and getting a point was great. The whole spectacle, the fans, the platform - it's everything I want to be involved in and it's great that it has finally come around.[LNB]"I've experienced the Champions League once before with Hearts and it was great. I've had that hunger to be involved in the tournament ever since.[LNB]"Hopefully I will be in the manager's plans and working hard and it will come about."[LNB]Wallace is now keen to repay the faith shown in him by new boss Ally McCoist after being handed a bumper five-year contract.[LNB]And he also wants to prove that he is good enough to make the step up to a side who will be aiming for their fourth successive SPL title this term.[LNB]He said: "There is always the pressure and it's a huge responsibility but I want to progress. It's great security and great faith that has been put in me.[LNB]"I need to work hard and I need to repay that. I'm now at a huge club that's playing European football and who have got winners in the dressing room and I ultimately want to become a winner.[LNB]"It's a high level, it's a great club and it's just something that I want to be part of.[LNB]"Given the chance, I'll be working hard and hopefully trying to push my way into the team and capture the success."[LNB]Wallace will now battle Sasa Papac for the left-back role but is relishing the tussle, as well as the opportunity to learn from his new team-mates.[LNB]He said: "These are top players and players I can learn from. Training with these players every day can only benefit me and that's what I'm looking for.[LNB]"I'll certainly be working hard to try to progress into the team."[LNB]On the prospect of facing his former club so quickly, he said: "I'm ambitious and I've come here to try to progress my career. With the fans, I hope there is no hate and that takes care of itself.[LNB]"I appreciate everything that was done at Hearts. There were some down points in my career and a lot of people stood by me, the club stood by me and the fans stood by me.[LNB]"I've matured and I'm thankful to everyone around Hearts football club and I appreciate everything they have done."[LNB]Wallace admits taking on the Jambos so soon is not an ideal scenario, adding: "It's tough mentally but as a professional it's just something that you need to block out.[LNB]"I'm a Rangers player now and I want Rangers to win. It's just tough luck that that's the situation and I just have to get on with it."[LNB]Until Thursday, business in the transfer market had been slow for Rangers, who have missed out on a number of targets following the capture of Spanish midfielder Juan Manuel Ortiz earlier this month.[LNB]But the signing of Wallace came on the same day the club confirmed they had signed USA international Alejandro Bedoya on a pre-contract agreement subject to a work permit.[LNB]The midfielder had been the subject of a failed bid earlier in the week and it now looks like he will have to wait until January when his contract with Swedish club Orebro expires before he arrives in Glasgow - unless Rangers make another attempt to recruit him sooner.

Source: Team_Talk