Dan Neil insists he will bring a hunger to win trophies at Rangers after joining the club on a free transfer from Sunderland.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who captained Sunderland when they won promotion to the English Premier League a couple of seasons ago, has agreed terms on a three-year deal at Ibrox.
Neil, who had been linked with Rangers persistently over the past 12 months, spent last season on loan at Ipswich before becoming a free agent.
He now becomes Rangers’ fifth summer signing, following the arrivals of Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur.
‘It is a new chapter for myself and I am really excited to be signing for Rangers,’ said Neil. ‘I’m really looking forward to what the next few years can bring.
‘I have played for Sunderland for a number of years and the weight and expectation of the fans to win every week, and the feeling of it making or breaking people’s weekends, is something that drives me.
Neil is raring to go after joining from Sunderland on a three-year deal
‘It’s a chance to fight for trophies and fight for titles. Football is everything in this city.
‘I came here a few months ago and had a little tour. It’s an amazing football stadium. I like to try and get on the ball and try and dictate games as much as I can. I’m a bit of a talker on the pitch as well.’
On the advice he sought from others prior to making the move, Neil continued: ‘I’ve spoken to many people who have been here.
‘They said it’s a very similar feeling, and as a character and a person that really drives me to give 110% day in and day out. I need that in my career.
‘I’m still only 24 and going into free agency was a bit of a weird one. I was looking at certain characteristics in football clubs in what I wanted and what drives me as a footballer and a person.
‘Rangers fit all the criteria. I spoke to Jermain Defoe [former Rangers and Sunderland striker]. I spoke to [former Rangers manager] Graeme Murty. They were the main ones.
‘[Scotland and former Sunderland forward] Ross Stewart was from Glasgow so I spoke to him about the area and things. They all spoke glowingly of the club and the area.’
Meanwhile, Rangers boss McInnes said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Dan to the club. He will be an excellent addition to our squad.
‘He is a technically gifted midfielder who is strong in possession, can contribute goals and brings tremendous energy to the team.
‘At 24, we are signing a player who is hungry and ambitious, but who already possesses significant experience and leadership qualities, having captained Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League in 2025.
‘I’m really looking forward to working with Dan throughout pre-season as we prepare for the challenges ahead.’
