Kieran Dowell spoke to the media after the draw with Standard Liege in Holland. Here is everything he had to say.

Do you take responsibility and try to help the new lads settle?

I always try to welcome the new lads. I think everyone does, it’s a good group for that kind of thing. There’s a good few lads who have come in now and it’s good to see everyone working hard on the pitch.

There must be a real determination to go better than last season?

100 percent. We’ve had a short break, we’ve freshened up and the lads are focused again on getting right back at it. Obviously every season is a massive season for this club but hopefully we can do well.

How do you reflect on your first season?

It was just so frustrating. Really frustrating. Obviously I was learning a new position as a central midfielder which I hadn’t really played before. That was due to availability and stuff but in amongst that there were injuries, which was so frustrating. But I’m feeling good now. I’m feeling fresh, I’ve had a good rest over the summer and I’m fighting fit now.

You scored against Motherwell but were then back to square one...

Yeah, that’s how it went - but that’s football for you. You can sulk all you want about it but it’s happened, I’m past it and feeling strong again. 

Who do you lean on for advice in those hard times?

Everyone at the club. The lads here are a good group to keep you humble. If you’re getting ahead of yourself, they will put you down or they will keep you going if you’re down. It’s a good group of lads for that. And obviously my family and friends were a great help too.

Have the Rangers fans still to see the best of you?

I’d like to think so. I didn’t start many games last season. I think it was four or five games. There wasn’t many appearance either. They’ve not seen the best of me. They’ve not seen much of me in fact. Hopefully they can in this coming season. 

How frustrating were the circumstances working against you?

100 percent. That (against Ross County) was obviously a tough day for every player on the pitch. I started that game but I don’t think anyone really had a great game that day. You end up suffering because of that - it happens but that’s football. You end up out of the team and the only thing to do then is to keep training and keep working hard.

What was the biggest lesson you took from last season?

The biggest lesson is to realise that we’re never out of it. With the start we had last year and losing the manager who signed me, everyone thinks it’s all over. You see the Press and it seems like it’s done - but it wasn’t. It was back in our hands by the end of the season. So you just never know when you’re out of it.  

Is it important to have a faster start this season? 

Ideally not but you are not out of it if that happens. I was probably, in my first season, thinking ‘we are off it here’ and we weren’t. Obviously you want a fast start but it is a long season as well. 

There will be a lot of things that could have an impact - like not playing at Ibrox

To be honest that is not really an issue for us as players. Our fans make away games home games the way they are so I don’t think that is going to be an issue for us. 

What has the manager said to you?

I think it is the amount that he uses me. He is a really good coach in training and he helps you a lot. He has taught me a lot about learning new roles as a central midfielder. He has added a few strings to my bow already, which is great. He wants you to play, he encourages you to try stuff. He is a good manager. 

How has becoming a dad changed your life?

It has been busy! I have got a little boy, born in Glasgow. A little Rangers fan. He is only six months.

Has it changed your character? 

I think I have always been quite good at not taking it home. It is good to have him to switch off. 

How have you found being away?

We keep in touch. He doesn’t understand FaceTime! My partner sends loads of pictures.