Danilo describes 'relief' after goal on return to Rangers starting line-up

Rangers striker Danilo admitted it was “a relief” to be back amongst the goals as he returned to the starting line-up and targeted more success after putting an injury nightmare behind him.

The Brazilian was a big-money signing from Feyenoord in the summer of 2023, but he suffered a knee injury against Hearts last December and has had a long road back from injury.

While he scored after coming off the bench against Ross County in August, the striker’s fitness was carefully managed, and he was left out of the Rangers’ Europa League squad.

Manager Philippe Clement chose to hand him his first start in a year for Wednesday’s match against Kilmarnock, and Danilo scored in the thumping 6-0 win.

“It’s a relief,” he said. “I think that’s what the celebrations were about.

“Just being out there, since I came back from the injury. Trying to get the opportunities and finish them off.

“So obviously, when you score, it’s nice to have those feelings again. Hopefully, there are more to come.”

The striker said he’s in a good place after the effort that went into his rehabilitation and is doing everything he can to prevent missing any more football.

“I have been working inside at the training centre and outside on the pitches as well,” he said.

“It’s about keeping myself fit and also prevent those kind of silly injuries I’ve had as well.

“But sometimes things happen without even wanting that, so we just have to be careful.

“So right now, I’ve been really good. I’ve been looking after my body looking to prevent those kind of injuries. And right now, I’m feeling fine, feeling great, and I’m ready to challenge.”

Now fully fit, Danilo faces a battle for a starting spot, with Cyriel Dessers and Hamze Igamane also vying for the central striker slot in Clement’s team.

“In every club there is always going to be competition,” he said.

“I think that’s the best way to get the best out of you.

“Since we came here, we’ve always had this competition.

“Sometimes we played together as well. But I think that’s what can bring the best of yourself when you have this competition, when everybody’s sharp.

“But at some points, you just have to be patient. So that’s what I’ve been as well.

“When I came back from my injury, I had to wait for my time. I had to wait for my opportunity.

“I’m playing, Cyriel was on the bench against Kilmarnock but he came on and scored two goals. So that’s the point, you always have to be sharp.

“It’s a healthy fight. And then we are good with each other, and then we try to make ourselves the best as possible.

“Hamza is a great player. He’s been working really hard as well since he came.

“That includes the language. It’s difficult for him a little bit, but we try to help him as much as he can. I’m really happy for him for what he is achieving right now.”