Arsenal starlet Gedion Zelalem is eager for more international recognition and hopes his loan spell with Rangers can move him onto bigger things on the international stage.
Zelalem has earned six caps for the United States U20 side and helped the Americans reach the quarter-finals of the U20 World Cup in New Zealand this summer.
In an interview with RangersTV, Zelalem said: “Every player’s goal is to play well and get noticed, so hopefully I can keep doing that at Rangers.
“The World Cup was a great experience. I never thought I’d be in New Zealand playing football, and we did well to get to the semi-finals where we lost to Serbia who eventually went on to win it.
“Football in the US is growing every day. The MLS is getting bigger and the best players are starting to move over there.”
Big things are expected of young Zelalem, Arsene Wenger sees a lot of potential in the youthful midfielder who has been involved in a few of Arsenal’s senior match-day squads over the last couple of seasons.
But the wily Wenger thought the 18-year-old starlet needed regular game-time at this stage in his career and both him and his staff saw Rangers as a good place for their young talent to develop.
“They see this as a big opportunity,” said Zelalem.
“It will be really hot on the pitch and the fans will get on to you if you make a mistake, but that’s football and it’s something I’ll need to get used to.
“There is a winning mentality here and we know we need to win every game.
“I know I’ll have to work hard here in training every day and play well in the games. Whoever is playing best will get picked.
“Whenever the manager wants me to play, I’ll play. I’m looking forward to the game and hopefully I’m involved.
“If he sees you’re good enough to play, he’ll play you. It doesn’t matter how old or how big you are, if you’re good enough he’ll play you.”
Will Zelalem become an Arsenal regular? The future seems bright for the youngster, who must make the most of his loan opportunity in Scotland.
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