Aluko - I can handle pressure

Sone Aluko: Confident he can handle the pressure at Rangers

Rangers new boy Sone Aluko is confident he can handle the pressure of life at Ibrox after impressing in the 2-1 win over Dunfermline.

Aluko bounced back from coming under fire for his role in Kilmarnock's winning goal against Rangers last weekend with a man-of-the-match performance in the victory over Dunfermline at Ibrox.

Reflecting on last week's game at Rugby Park, Aluko said: "At the time it was one of those moments where I thought 'oh no'.

"I watch all my games back and I cringed watching it but that's football and it's not a problem for me.

Mistakes

"If you make those mistakes at any club you are going to get criticism. I've been in football long enough to know that I can deal with it. It's not an issue.

"On my debut at Aberdeen I had a similar incident but you just have to get on with it and be strong mentally and start again."

Aluko has been thrown straight into the Rangers starting XI since arriving last month despite previously being without a club since his Aberdeen contract ended in the summer and the winger admits he is close to reaching his peak fitness.

"It was tough being out but I worked hard when I wasn't playing," added Aluko. "I wasn't just sitting around. I'm gaining the rewards for that now.

"You can't replicate playing in competitive football so the first few weeks have been tough, but it's easier when you are playing for a team like Rangers who make it easier for you.

"I'm not far off being 100 per cent."

Dive denial

Aluko also denied suggestions that he dived to win Rangers a penalty in the victory over Dunfermline with Pars boss Jim McIntyre unhappy with referee Steve Conroy's decision to give the home side a spot-kick.

"When you are at full pace and the pitch is wet and you're twisting and turning, with any contact it's hard for you to stay on your feet," noted Aluko.

"I felt there was contact and I fell over. I'm not one that normally dives.

"I thought it was a penalty and obviously the ref did as well so you can't really complain.

"The players around me didn't really protest so I don't see what the issue is."