JOSH WINDASS has heard the rumours and seen the stories. While others talked the talk, he knew he had to walk the walk.

As the pieces fell into place for Pedro Caixinha this summer, Windass could easily have become one that didn’t fit into the Ibrox jigsaw.

Ryan Jack, Carlos Pena and Graham Dorrans arrived, while Niko Kranjcar and Jordan Rossiter returned from their respective lengthy injury lay-offs.

Windass was seemingly edging towards the exit door and a host of clubs south of the border were linked with a move for the midfielder. His perseverance has paid off, though.

Read more: Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha hopes Josh Windass can realise his 'huge potential' at Ibrox

The season may have started in European ignominy but Windass, like Rangers, has recovered in the last couple of weeks.

He was given a run-out against Marseille and handed a start against Watford. On Sunday, the 23-year-old opened the scoring as Caixinha’s side won at Hillsborough.

It was the latest step on the road to recovery for Windass. It is a journey he is determined to see through in Light Blue.

“Unless you are signing for Man Utd or Real Madrid, which at the moment doesn’t look that likely, I don’t think there is anywhere better to play your football than at this massive football club,” he said.

“It is better than a lot of clubs down in England. My mind has firmly been on getting in this team.

“I didn’t really chat to him (Caixinha). I just came in, got my head down and see where it took me.

“I didn’t speak to my agent at all to be honest. I just get tweets and messages saying this club wants me or this club wants me.

Read more: Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha hopes Josh Windass can realise his 'huge potential' at Ibrox

“I think I have been linked with every club down in England for the last two weeks but my mind has been firmly fixed on playing for Rangers.”

The win over Sheffield Wednesday saw Caixinha’s side round off their summer schedule on a high note and the Gers’ focus is now fixed on Motherwell.

Windass made the most of his chance to impress at the weekend as he was given a start on the left side of a midfield four and opened the scoring with a cool finish late in the first half.

The Englishman has only ever shown glimpses of his potential since he moved from Accrington Stanley last summer but he is confident he can catch the eye for a sustained period.

“I have surprisingly scored a few in pre-season so I am happy with my form at the moment,” he said. “Hopefully I can carry it on into the season.

“Every season is a big season for you. I always knew if I played in the position I was most comfortable in I could get goals and create chances.

Read more: Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha hopes Josh Windass can realise his 'huge potential' at Ibrox

“I have not really had much chance to do that since I have been here but I have had opportunities in pre-season so hopefully I can carry it on.

“At my last club I played off the striker but I like anywhere along the front three. I don’t mind. I played midfield a lot last season, which I still enjoyed, but I don’t think I am as capable there as I am further up.

“I always believed in myself. Even when I was playing poorly by my own standards I always believed that if I got back to as fit as I could be and playing as well as I could then I would be fine.”

With the matches against Marseille, Watford and Wednesday completed, Rangers now have Motherwell in their sights on Sunday.

The embarrassing Europa League exit at the hands of Progres Niederkorn still casts a shadow over Caixinha and his squad in the eyes of supporters.

But Windass is confident the Gers can make amends as they look to accumulate points and settle a few in the opening weeks of the Premiership campaign.

Read more: Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha hopes Josh Windass can realise his 'huge potential' at Ibrox

He said: “Everybody knows the disappointment we had in Luxembourg but the Marseille game and Watford game were good and against a really good Championship team we easily held our own. All the lads are looking forward to it.

“People say when we are losing that the lads don’t know what it means to wear the shirt and all that. The lads do know and they work as hard as they can.

“We are all trying to push in the right direction to get where we want to be.

“We just get on with our job. That is football.”

It would be no surprise if Caixinha opted to field the line-up that started at Hillsborough against the Steelmen on Sunday as Rangers look to get off and running in the Premiership.

The switch to a 4-4-2 formation and time on and off the park has been beneficial for the Light Blues and Windass is pleased with the progress that has been made.

Read more: Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha hopes Josh Windass can realise his 'huge potential' at Ibrox

“We have changed system, which the players seem to be finding more comfortable at the moment,” he said. “Big Bruno (Alves) has come in, Jacko, Dozza, they have come in and been brilliant.

“I don’t think [having more leaders in the team] makes a difference. I think it is quality more than leadership to be honest.

“Bruno has played at the highest level of football possible so is clearly going to be a good addition. He has come in and done well and all the lads have followed his lead.”