TODD CANTWELL doesn't believe in ominous omens or foreboding fortunes. And he is sure 13 will be his lucky number as he attempts to kick-start his career at Rangers.
The midfielder put pen-to-paper on a deal at Ibrox on Monday evening and has become the first arrival of the Michael Beale era as Rangers finally ramped up their January business.
Cantwell has opted for the number 13 jersey this term and is in line to make his debut for Beale's side during the Premiership fixture with St Johnstone this weekend.
Few players take to the field with that figure on the back of their jersey but the 24-year-old is determined to shape his own destiny after some difficult times at Carrow Road.
“It goes without saying that over the last few seasons I would say things haven’t gone to plan," Cantwell said.
“I don’t believe that 13 is an unlucky number as you make your own luck. I am looking to make it my own and to have people remember it.
“I am the type of player who likes to be on the ball. I like to think I can see passes some players can’t.
“I have the ability to unlock a defence. I am a good ball carrier but we will have to see, and people can gauge that themselves.
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“I like to be exciting and bring that creative spark and maybe something other players can’t do.
“I can’t wait for my debut. Getting going and playing games is something I am looking forward to.
“It is a massive stadium with a fantastic fan base and I am not used to that size in terms of the stadium or the fans being on my side.
“I have only played away from home in stadiums like that so to have that on my side will be really powerful.”
Cantwell has not pulled on his boots since stepping off the bench for the final 19 minutes of the Championship defeat to Middlesbrough in November.
He quickly found himself out of favour with David Wagner when he was appointed as Dean Smith's successor as Canaries boss and Blackburn Rovers were keen to clinch a deal ahead of Rangers this month.
The Englishman has agreed a long-term contract at Ibrox and is eager to use the change of surroundings as a fresh start after spending the second half of last term on loan at Bournemouth.
“Can I kick on here? Definitely," Cantwell said. “My career hasn’t gone the way I would have planned in the last few years.
“The guys have seen the person I am, the player I am and that means a lot to me.
“To be able to get this chance at such a big club and to be able to have a platform to kick on and show the player I want to turn into.
“The manager wants to make me a better player and that’s really important.
“I love pressure and since I was a kid I always want to win no matter what I play.
“I can play ping pong with my brother but I am so competitive to win it.
“Having that mentality is embedded in me and I look forward to showing that on the pitch.”
The arrival of Cantwell is a significant boost for boss Beale as he attempts to build on a solid start to life at Ibrox following his return to the dugout last month.
Beale has won eight out of his first nine games in charge as Rangers have progressed in the Viaplay Cup and Scottish Cup and kept alive their slim chances of regaining the Premiership title.
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There will be no continental competition for Cantwell to experience in the coming weeks but the chance to test himself at that level was one of the key factors behind his decision to move north of the border.
“I can’t wait for Europe, it’s something you watch," Cantwell told RangersTV. “I have watched plenty of Rangers games and the success they had in the Europa League not that long ago.
“I am excited to get into that competition and play on some of the biggest stages in the world. I am really looking forward to it.”
