EMERSON HYNDMAN admits his Old Firm experiences helped him progress during his loan spell at Rangers.

The midfielder made three appearances in the derby last term as the Gers lost at Hampden and Ibrox and earned a draw at Parkhead.

Hyndman has returned to Bournemouth in a bid to force his way into Eddie Howe’s side and is grateful for his stint north of the border.

He said: “It was a good chance to go out and play some games.

“I worked hard over the four or five months I was here beforehand, so to get the opportunity to play some games at such a big club was a good opportunity for me. I really enjoyed it.

“When you get that exposure and pressure at a big club, you are expected to perform week in, week out.

“It’s a big pressure to take on and I was happy. I felt like I dealt with it quite well and it will do me good moving on.

“Being American, playing in Europe is different, let alone playing in one of those derbies. The rivalries are a lot more historic.

“It was crazy because I got the chance to play in three different venues as well in those games, so I got the full experience.”