Sheyi Ojo took a proverbial kicking from punters across the country with his claim that Rangers are the best team in the league.
Then, on Thursday night in Luxembourg, the Ibrox winger got it for real when he was hacked up and down the Josy Barthel Stadium against Progres Niederkorn.
But thankfully for the on-loan Liverpool ace his gaffer Steven Gerrard believes he’s ready for anything that comes his way.
The Rangers boss expects Ojo to get rough treatment this season, purely because of the pace and power he possesses at full pelt.
But Gerrard says the 22-year-old should ENJOY being a target.
According to his gaffer, if it’s good enough for global superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, it should be good enough for Ojo.
It’s early days but the Englishman looks like he will be a terrific addition to Gers’ squad with his speed, quick feet and shooting ability on either side.
Ojo is on a long contract at Anfield and his gaffer insists there’s no limit to what he can achieve – if he wants it badly enough.
Gerrard said: “Ojo has started positively and was unplayable for the last 20 minutes in Luxembourg. They kicked him all night and he got no protection.
“But he never complained, he just bounced back up after tackles.
“The fact he’s willing to take knocks is important. If you’re a good player of that type you have to enjoy getting kicked.
“I’ve watched Messi for 12 years and he gets kicked from pillar to post. Ronaldo is the same.
“If you want to be a top player, you have to get used to being kicked.
“I predict a really positive year for Ojo if he wants it – and he’s hungry for it. When he’s in full flow, it’s a great sight. He’s so powerful and quick.
“He’s direct and put quality balls across the goal against Progres. He’ll assist for us this season and has already shown he’s a goal threat.
“When you evaluate Ojo, it’s difficult to see what will hold him back in his career. Maybe the only thing that will hold back is himself.”
Gerrard all but admitted defeat in his pursuit of Ojo’s Liverpool team-mate Ryan Kent last week.
Kent made the same journey from Merseyside a year ago and became a fans’ favourite at Ibrox with his performances.
The Rangers boss says it’s NOT Ojo’s job to replace Kent in his side.
And Gerrard even hinted that his current wide man is better equipped to shine in Glasgow than Kent was at this stage last term.
Gerrard said: “It’s not Ojo’s responsibility to try and make fans forget about Kent. He just has to focus on himself.
“I’m sure Sheyi wants to go away from here with trophies and good memories. It’s not fair to compare the kid with Kent.
“Ryan’s his own man and had a successful year at Rangers but we have to move on.
“Ojo has started a lot quicker than Kent did. Ryan was quite shy at first.
“He was anxious in the beginning, wondering if this was the right move for him.
“But the dressing-room and the staff here helped put a lot of confidence in him.
“We had to build it and it took up to eight weeks before he really felt like a Rangers player.
“Whereas Sheyi has started off hungry.
“They are totally different personalities. One oozes confidence in a good way, the other thrives on it – but has to work at it.
But when they’re in full flow, they’re both top players.
“For a young player, Sheyi has plenty of experience already. He’s played abroad, as well as in the Premier League and Championship.
“The players have really taken to him and he’ll be a massive threat for us. It’s important we keep him fresh so we can unload him at the right time.
“When Ojo shifts into fourth and fifth gear, he’s difficult to stop.”
Kilmarnock will be the first Premiership side to try and halt Ojo’s progress when Gerrard’s side go to Rugby Park today for the season opener.
The Ibrox gaffer has challenged his team not to repeat the mistakes of a year ago, when they drew with Aberdeen and Motherwell – then lost to Celtic in their first four games.
His main objective will be stopping the Hoops’ bid for nine-in-a-row but, with Europa League qualifiers and a Betfred Cup tie on the horizon, Gerrard can’t just focus on the league.
He said: “As a manager, you look at the first block of fixtures up until the first international break in September.
“You look at the points available and we need to be in a better position than we were last year when after four league games we only had five points.
“The game at Kilmarnock is an chance to prove to people that we’ve improved.
“But it’s not all about the league this season. It’s about trying to bring some success back to the supporters.
“The league will always be a priority. At all big clubs, the league is your bread and butter.
“But at Rangers you can’t just focus on one tournament. It wouldn’t be allowed or accepted.
“If I was to sit here and say I’m not interested in the cups or qualifying for Europe, only winning the league – I’d be packing up my office.”
