It is only four years since the centre-back was playing for Ramsgate in the Isthmian League South East Division having previously played for Margate in the same division and Sheppey United at an even lower level, on loan from Gillingham.
In the summer, he completed a £3million transfer from Peterborough United to Ibrox and, after remaning patient at the start of the season, is now enjoying a run in the team. That included 90 minutes in European competition, against Braga.
“I think I’ve had a positive impact on the team,” he said. Obviously, there’s still improvements to come but I feel it’s been positive so far.
“Playing in the Europa League the other day was amazing because a few years ago I started in college. Then I signed for Gillingham, had two years there, then didn’t have a club for a bit during Covid.
“I went into a non-league club before ending up at Peterborough where I had four years. So I couldn’t be more grateful to now be playing in the Europa League. There’s nothing more I can ask for.”
Fernandez insists he understands the pressures involved in playing for Rangers, adding: “Yeah, 100 per cent. I can feel it. I know the pressure but I like pressure. That’s the reason I wanted to play football when I was growing up. I feel like I’m a player who can be good when it gets hard. I think I can do a lot for this team.
Admitting there was an element of nervousness when heading to Glasgow in the summer, he says it couldn’t have been easier to settle in thanks to the help of his teammates.
“Before I came in, I was a bit nervous to see how people would be here because I know there’s people with stature here,” Fernandez said. “But they’ve been amazing. No-one has been a problem, they’ve all been welcoming.
“You can talk to everyone and have banter with them. If you ever need help, there are many players you can go to like Jack Butland, Liam Kelly, Tavernier, any of them.