Ex-Hibee Jason Cummings will only celebrate scoring if he is booed

Jason Cummings believes he has a bond of '˜mutual respect' with Hibs supporters and would only celebrate scoring against his old club at Easter Road tomorrow if they break it first.
Jason Cummings will line up against old club Hibs for Rangers on SundayJason Cummings will line up against old club Hibs for Rangers on Sunday
Jason Cummings will line up against old club Hibs for Rangers on Sunday

The striker will lead the line for Rangers in the final appearance of his loan spell with the Ibrox side as they bid to secure second place in the Scottish Premiership.

Cummings, who remains uncertain of his future at parent club Nottingham Forest where he has two years left on his contract, says it will feel ‘weird’ being part of an away team for the first time at Easter Road where he has so many fond memories of his exploits in a Hibs jersey. The 22-year-old, who scored eight times in 11 appearances against Rangers during his four seasons with Hibs, is curious about the reaction he will receive.

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“It is a big game and it will be a bit weird for me going back there,” said Cummings. “It is something that I am looking forward to.

“I am not too sure what kind of reception I will get from the Hibs fans. I know they don’t like Rangers, so I am not expecting to get cheered, but I think they know I did my best and gave everything for the club. They did give me my chance when I was a boy, I didn’t think I was going to be a footballer but they gave me my chance. I feel that we have got a mutual respect but I have got a job to do and that is to get a win and get Rangers second place.

“I think I will let the Hibs fans make the first step. If my name comes over the tannoy and I get booed, then I will celebrate if I score! But as I say, we have got a mutual respect there so I will see what they say.

“I’ve scored a lot of goals at Easter Road, so I kind of feel comfortable going back there – if that makes sense. I’m actually really looking forward to it. I can’t wait.”

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Cummings has struggled to find any sustained momentum at Rangers since joining on loan in January. He has started just eight games, with nine substitute appearances, as he often played second fiddle to Alfredo Morelos during Graeme Murty’s tenure as manager.

With Morelos suspended tomorrow, Cummings will have the chance to sign off by adding to his six goals and he remains hopeful of returning to the club next season on a permanent deal under new manager Steven Gerrard.

“I’ve loved it here, it’s been good and something I will never regret,” he added. “Especially when I am older I will look back and say, ‘I played for Rangers.’ It’s a massive club and something I will tell my grandchildren about.

“I’m not too sure what the future holds. I want to stay but there’s a lot behind the scenes that needs to happen. I am hoping I will be here next season, I am hoping it’s just the beginning for me here.”

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Cummings revealed he had spent time on Thursday with his former Hibs team-mate John McGinn and had urged the midfielder to move to Rangers. But sources at the club have denied McGinn is one of Gerrard’s summer 
transfer targets.