USMNT's James Sands takes swipe at Scottish Premiership after failed Rangers loan lands him back in MLS
- Sands loan cut short
- Now back with NYCFC
- Looking forward to USMNT call-up
WHAT HAPPENED? The U.S. men's national team player penned an 18-month loan deal with Rangers in January 2022 under Giovanni van Bronckhorst's leadership, however, after just a few appearances under Michael Beale, the midfielder's contract was cut short.
Despite his doomed stint in Scotland, Sands has improved in form after returning stateside and has since taken a slight shot at Scottish football – declaring he receives more of a challenge playing against New York City's rivals.
WHAT THEY SAID: “I really look forward to those sorts of challenges,” he told NYCFC's website (via Football Scotland). “That's something that I get here in MLS that I didn't get at all really in Scotland in the league there, so it's a nice change. Those guys [in MLS] will get the better of me sometimes, but it’s all about learning."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Sands' form has earned the 22-year-old a call-up to the national team as the USMNT faces off against Mexico in a friendly that will take place on Wednesday night. Sands last played with the USMNT during their 4-1 victory over Honduras in September 2021.
IN A PHOTO:
WHAT NEXT? Sands' New York City FC next faces off against FC Dallas as they look to build up their victory last Sunday against Nashville at Citi Field.
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