The defender has emerged as a key figure this term after injury derailed his campaign last season

When Derek McInnes sat down with Dujon Sterling over the summer, it didn’t take long for the Rangers defender to run through last season’s list of complaints.

The close-season break had done nothing to cool the Londoner’s simmering rage in the wake of the Light Blues’ limp collapse just as the Premiership finish line was coming into sight.

But that’s exactly the reaction former Hearts gaffer McInnes - who has a few things to say himself about the way last year’s title fight played out - wanted to see from the men he inherited from Danny Rohl after making the move to Ibrox.

And so far, he’s been delighted to see Sterling take his own personal anger out on the wide men who have dared take on the combative Rangers right-back.

With a mixture of physical aggression and controlled fury, Sterling has been an immoveable object down the flanks for this rejuvenated Gers side.

And as one of the leaders of the Light Blues’ grievance resolution team, he’s backing the 26-year-old to settle some scores this season.

Del said: “When I first came in, I had conversations with a lot of the lads who were here last season.

“He was one of the lads who still had a grievance about how last season played out.

“He was still annoyed at how Rangers allowed themselves not to take it right down the line and go to the last few games.

“He was honest about that and said it was down to them as players.

“I’d like to think that the players coming back for pre-season had that grievance and were ready not to let it happen again. They had to be ready to step on.

“He did that in a one-to-one conversation. He’s quite quiet. He’s quite reserved and he’s not the most vocal.

“But he trains right. He can get annoyed easily at certain things in terms of standards.

“He gives himself every chance to be at his best through how he behaves Monday to Friday. In that sense, he’s a good leader and a good example.”

Sterling has had every right to be frustrated with how his Rangers career has gone so far.

While his defensive attributes have never been in doubt, his ability to keep himself fit for action have most certainly been questioned.

But already this season, he is answering back in impressive form.

And should he clock up just over an hour’s play at Dens Park on Saturday, he’ll have matched the 1106 minutes worth of action he registered during the entirety of last season.

That shouldn’t be trouble for a man who has already has 10 full 90-minute run-outs this term - seven more than he managed under Russell Martin and Rohl.

McInnes added: “Dujon was always one I admired from the outside looking in.

“I thought he was a guy who in one-to-one duels you’d hate to play against. He’s dogged and resilient on the pitch. He’s got great speed, great strength and good experience.

“He understands the game, anticipates really well and very rarely looks spooked for a defender.

“His versatility has always been a positive for him, but this season he’s managed to nail down that full-back position at the minute.

“We’ve got two other lads who can play there [Kosta Nedeljkovic and Ross McCrorie] so he’s well aware of that.

“The squad behind the team at the minute is really pushing the team. You don’t want the players who are playing to waste their minutes - because, if you do, you’re in danger.

“I think Dujon’s levels have been so strong. Most teams you come up against have out-and-out wingers and I’d back him against anybody, to be honest, in those sorts of situations.

“He’s been a big part of our defensive record being strong and I feel fortunate that we’ve got him. We just need to keep him fit.

“I think he’s already played more games this season than he did in the whole of last season in terms of minutes. I might need to check that, but I’m pretty sure that’s right.

“I don’t think he would ever be undervalued by any manager who has worked with him. There has maybe been a bit of frustration that he hasn’t managed to stay fit.

“We’re trying to work with him and the medical team in a way that gets him out on the pitch every Saturday.

“Long may that continue because I still think he’s at a good age to make those improvements.”

McInnes also expects Minsu Kim to build on his impressive start since his £8.5million switch from Girona.

The new South Korea cap is yet to produce a goal or an assist, which has taken McInnes aback.

“I’m surprised he’s not got an assist, but his impact on the team has been clear,” he said. “Anybody who’s watched us consistently over the last period will see that.

“He’s difficult to contain, he wants the ball, he works hard for the team and he’s very honest with his work. He’s technically sound.

“I’m sure he just needs to relax at times and the goals will come for him. We’re not too concerned about that at all.”

Gers head to Dens the night before Sunday’s Parkhead replay of last year’s title decider between McInnes’ old Tynecastle team and table-topping Celtic.

But the Rangers boss insists he won’t even mention the Celtic Park showdown to his new team as he shrugged off suggestions it was an opportunity to apply some pressure to their title rivals by going top for one night at least.

He said: “For me, whenever you’re asked to play, whether it’s a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, you’ve just got to try to win your game.

“Of course, we would rather be in Europe. There was a wee bit of envy watching last night. At the same time, the only real benefit from not being involved, and the only time you feel good about yourself, is if we can be successful domestically.

“It gives us longer to prepare for games, but it doesn’t guarantee anything. The fact that we’re playing first this time around, I won’t even mention putting pressure on our opposition.

“I’m more focused on the fact that we need to improve to get another three points.”