Jason Holt: Leaving Tynecastle for Ibrox was a gamble but...

[ian1964 10,613]

...you don't turn down one of world's biggest clubs.

 

THE midfielder has played 34 of his team’s 39 games this season, scored nine goals and has proved such a snip at £65,000

 

HE was released by Craig Levein and decided to take the advice of Kenny Rogers.

 

Jason Holt admits he became The Gambler last summer after being told he had no long-term future at first love Hearts.

 

Now he reckons he has hit the jackpot, with Rangers set to cash in on championship success and eyeing further silverware in the Scottish Cup.

 

Holt has played 34 of his team’s 39 games this season, scored nine goals and has proved such a snip at £65,000 eyebrows were raised when he wasn’t named last week in Gordon Strachan’s Scotland squad.

 

The midfield schemer is determined to drive his team towards the title at Falkirk tonight as they bid to move 17 points clear at the top of the Championship.

 

The 23-year-old will be at the heart of Mark Warburton’s engine room, creating and cajoling, an integral part of a team he had to fight to join over a trial period last summer.

 

It was a stressful time, with no guarantees or contract assurances, but his instincts told him to take the risk – and he hasn’t looked back once in the nine months since.

 

Holt said “The situation wasn’t desperate when I left Hearts. Sure, it was disappointing at the time but these things happen in football when people come and go.

 

“Obviously, there were other offers but the chance to come to Rangers? It was a massive

opportunity.

 

“It was a gamble on both parts, for me and the gaffer here but I’m extremely happy it has worked out so well for both parties.

 

“You never know in football. I went to Sheffield United on loan last season to get games and really enjoyed it down there.

 

“Obviously, it didn’t work out so I started looking at other avenues and this was just one that came up.

 

“If you get the chance to play for Rangers, you have to go and try to make it happen and it has come to fruition.

 

“Rangers are one of the biggest clubs in the world and that is very appealing to players out there.

 

“I felt the club was at the start of something exciting after the arrival of the gaffer and Davie Weir.

 

“Speak to all the players who came in and they’ll tell you the same, they saw a really exciting team coming together. They all wanted to be a part of it and I was no different.

 

“It’s an uncertain period, going on trial, but you just need to prove to the club – the gaffer and Davie in this case – that you can do well for them.

 

“I had to show I wanted to play for Rangers and that I was good enough to play for Rangers.

 

“They obviously saw something they liked and I was delighted when they gave me the nod to come in and be part of it.

 

“I never doubted myself. You must always have self-belief and I was confident that, if I did what I could to the best of my ability, I would stand a chance.

 

“I was supposed to be in for the week and, if I remember right, two or three days in the gaffer told me he was interested in agreeing a deal.

 

“I was delighted but I’m not one to rest on my laurels so I kept working, showcasing what I could do for the whole week. I was just so happy when we got that contract signed, knowing I would be part of this exciting project.

 

“I was very focused and the fact we’ve done so well this season shows I made the right decision, even though we’ve still got a way to go. Hopefully I can now finish the season strongly.”

 

Holt featured regularly for Scotland Under-21s between 2011 and 2013 and was capped seven times and although he wasn’t selected for the senior squad friendlies against the Czech republic and Denmark, he hasn’t given up hope in future.

 

He added: “My full focus is on Rangers but if you asked anyone then they’d tell you they’d love to play for their country.

 

“I’m no different in that regard but right now all I can do is keep working hard for

my club. The players who are in the squad are there on merit but if the players here continue to do well then hopefully one day they’ll get that call.”

 

Rangers have won their two previous Friday night fixtures this season 3-1, both at Ibrox, against Morton and St Mirren.

 

They are currently on a run of 15 games undefeated in all competitions, including just two draws, stretching back to December when the Bairns defeated them 2-1 at Westfield.

 

Holt added: “The last time we played them at their place they won and that was difficult for everyone here. We’ve played them since then and managed to defeat them and we’re looking to do the same again.

 

“Everyone has been looking at Rangers and Hibs in the title race but here we are in March and Falkirk are sitting second.

 

“They’ve done extremely well and have proved difficult opponents in the games we’ve played against them.

 

“Hibs are doing well too but we’ll just focus on ourselves. We just look to do our job.

 

“I know it sounds repetitive but that’s all we can do. We have a close-knit squad and that keeps everyone on their toes.

 

“It ensures that complacency doesn’t come into it.

 

“If you’re doing well you’ll get your chance. The gaffer has put players in and if they’ve performed well they’ve kept their place in the team.

 

“On a personal level, this is probably as well as I’ve played.

 

“This season probably sits at the top so far for me. I’ve really enjoyed my football and that’s a big factor for any player.

 

“I’ve had a good run in the side and if you’re playing every week your confidence grows.

 

“It’s our aim to finish the season strongly. I reached one cup final with Hearts but we’re through to the Petrofac Cup Final here, we’re in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup and we’re fighting for the title.

 

“You come into Murray Park looking forward to your work.”

 

Read more at http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-star-jason-holt-leaving-7581381#W86BqvYCVyY0pUIs.99

[Frankie 8,369]

Love watching the wee man play. His hard work, enthusiasm and ability to find space really are impressive qualities for a player bought so cheaply.

[jhunter 0]

he's a great wee player.

 

didn't realise he was on trial originally, i thought he was scouted and signed out right.

[ian1964 10,613]

I bet you the other Rangers players love it when he is in the team!,his work rate & movement into positions to receive the ball are excellent,he also knows his way to goal,great wee player and can only get better!,our very own wee Scottish Iniesta:)

[26th of foot 5,994]

I wonder if some of the older Gersnetters agree, Jason Holt reminds me in part of Doddy?

 

His innate ability to find space between opposition lines, the constant dropping of the shoulder, and those timeous darting runs into the box. His goal against Dundee was very Doddy.

[ian1964 10,613]

I wonder if some of the older Gersnetters agree, Jason Holt reminds me in part of Doddy?

 

His innate ability to find space between opposition lines, the constant dropping of the shoulder, and those timeous darting runs into the box. His goal against Dundee was very Doddy.

 

He is certainly more like him than Durrant, who some are comparing him to!,but Alex Macdonald was much more aggressive in the tackle!

[pete 2,499]

He is certainly more like him than Durrant, who some are comparing him to!,but Alex Macdonald was much more aggressive in the tackle!

 

Possibly a cross between Durrant and Doddy. Durrant was an expert at ghosting into positions as well. Agree with Ian Doddy was far more aggressive. Holt has a way to go before we can compare him to these 2 greats though.

[craig 5,199]

I bet you the other Rangers players love it when he is in the team!,his work rate & movement into positions to receive the ball are excellent,he also knows his way to goal,great wee player and can only get better!,our very own wee Scottish Iniesta:)

 

His game awareness is excellent too. We had a corner against Morton on the left hand side and Tav took it. As soon as it broke down who do you think was sprinting back to cover the RB position ? Yep, Jason Holt

 

Cracking player - we won a watch with this wee fella !

[rbr 1,254]

He reminds me of Bobby Russell