EXILE ENDED FOR DANILO

Brazilian is happy to graft for new gaffer

- BY ANDY NEWPORT

IT WAS an unmistakable look of relief that flashed across Youssef Chermiti's face as the Rangers striker finally smashed his 903-day goal drought.

At two months, teammate Danilo's wait for a big chance of his own didn't quite drag as long.

But the Brazilian was left experiencing the very same warm emotions as his new £8million teammate after finally working his way back in from the cold at Ibrox.

The 26-year-old started the season as Russell Martin's first-pick frontman.

But he has barely kicked a ball since being bombed out of the former manager's starting XI in the wake of the woeful Champions League hammering by Club Brugge in Belgium at the end of August.

That was until the arrival of Danny Rohl offered the former Feyenoord forward a fresh start - one that he made the most of on Sunday as he headed Rangers back in front during their 3-1 win over Kilmarnock.

His eight weeks in the Ibrox wilderness might not have measured up to Chermiti's two-and-a-half years without a senior goal but for Danilo, it may as well have been an eternity.

He said: "I've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.

"Nobody sees the hard work you do behind the scenes so, yeah, a goal always lifts you up.

"I was counting the days when I was not in the squad.