Fleck keen to put an end to the hype

23 June 2010 15:18
Rangers starlet John Fleck believes too much expectation has been placed on his young shoulders and insists he is not the next Wayne Rooney.[LNB] Fleck burst on to the scene when he made his senior competitive debut as a 16-year-old in January 2008, making him the youngest player to pull on the light blue jersey since Derek Ferguson back in 1983.[LNB]A year later, a national newspaper placed Fleck - the nephew of former Rangers star Robert - seventh in their Top 50 Rising Stars of European football feature.[LNB]Now 18, he hopes the forthcoming campaign will see him finally establish himself as a regular first-team pick in Walter Smith's side.[LNB]But the youngster admits comparisons with a certain Manchester United and England player have contributed to too much hype surrounding his fledgling career so far.[LNB]"People definitely expected too much of me," said Fleck, as he promoted the Scottish champions' new home kit at Ibrox.[LNB]"I'm still a young boy and I think people expected me just to come out and be like Wayne Rooney every week but that's not going to happen.[LNB]"He's a world-class player and it takes time for a young boy to come through. I'm willing to be patient but hopefully I'll get my chance.[LNB]"I've been involved for the last couple of years now, coming off the bench and things like that, so hopefully this will be the season for me."[LNB]He added: "I wouldn't say it's a make or break season. I'm still young and hopefully I can just play as much as possible.[LNB]"I'm not saying I'm going to play every week or anything but if I'm doing well at training, the manager will make his choices.[LNB]"If I play, then great. If I don't, I just need to keep working hard."[LNB]Fleck signed a new three-year-deal in March following suggestions he wanted to quit Rangers and seek a lucrative move south of the border.[LNB]But the teenager claims his intention was always to extend his stay at Ibrox, insisting: "To be honest, this was the only place I wanted to be.[LNB]"There were people saying I wanted to leave but didn't want to leave. I always wanted to stay here.[LNB]"Hopefully I will have a lot to look forward to next season. I'm just going to try to work on my finishing, my heading and my strength and hopefully I will get better."[LNB]Fleck now hopes fellow youngster Danny Wilson will follow suit and pledge his future to Rangers.[LNB]The teenage centre-half has attracted the interest of Liverpool after an impressive debut season, where he experienced the Champions League, the Old Firm derby and cup finals.[LNB]"Hopefully he will stay," said Fleck. "He is still a young boy and I'm sure he will do well for us if he does stay.[LNB]"It's up to him, whether he wants to go or not is his choice.[LNB]"I've not spoken to him about it but I'm sure he has probably spoken to people like Davie Weir to see what he thinks.[LNB]"The gaffer can make him a better player and I'm sure he would give him games as he is a great player.[LNB]"I'm just hoping he stays because I think he has a big future here. I think he would play every week next season if he did stay."

Source: Team_Talk