Haris Vuckic stands as the one bonus from a now infamous deal. While the other members of the Newcastle Five have managed a paltry 44 minutes of football between them, the Slovenian has positively thrived at Rangers. So much so, in fact, that he admits any possibility of staying at Ibrox beyond the end of this season would be an immensely attractive option. Whether or not that can happen will depend on a number of factors. Vuckic has denied a report on Tyneside stating he had already declared his intention to quit St James Park, where he has one year left on his contract. Summer discussions with his parent club will have to take place. Haris Vuckic has thrived at Rangers under new manager Stuart McCall . By then, he will also know whether Rangers have fulfilled their aim of promotion via the play-offs. Certainly, he has done much so far to try to make Premier League football a reality at Ibrox once again. Vuckic has scored six times since signing for Rangers, including three in his last two appearances as the revival under Stuart McCall has gathered momentum. The 22-year-old is clearly relishing the exposure he has been granted. Having begun to stagnate on the fringes of the Newcastle squad, he feels revived by life in Glasgow. ‘I’m really enjoying playing my football and I’m training hard,’ said Vuckic. ‘At Newcastle, I didn’t have that chance. ‘But it’s nonsense that I have said I am going to quit Newcastle. I never said that. I still respect Newcastle because I have a year left there. And I also respect Rangers because I have a loan deal here. ‘We will see what is going to happen in the transfer window and what Newcastle have to say. I will get options and I have to take the option that is best for me.’ And if Rangers were to make an offer for his services come the end of the season? Vuckic has won over Rangers fans with six goals from 10 games, including this strike against Hearts . ‘That would be a good option because I’m really enjoying my football here,’ replied Vuckic. ‘I’m scoring goals, playing well and the fans like me. It would be a great option for me. ‘This is the happiest I have been for a while with my football because I am playing every week. As a player, that is all you want. To show people that you are good.’ Clearly, there is little appeal in returning to Tyneside simply to spend another 12 months stuck in the reserves or filling space on the bench. ‘That wouldn’t be the best option for me,’ he admitted. ‘Playing first-team football is very different from the Under-21s, where you basically play with the kids. You want to play at a bigger, stronger level. ‘In football you have to take a step back to go forward. I feel from Newcastle to Rangers on loan I took that step back but now I want to go forward. ‘If I go back to play Under-21 games with Newcastle I would go even more back. I just have to see what happens in the summer but I want to play first-team football. ‘When I was 18 or 19 years old I was getting a chance in the first team at Newcastle but I broke my hand on my debut against Fulham. ‘I had a couple of set-backs and after spending a couple of months out you have to fight again for your place. I feel I could have done more in Newcastle if I hadn’t had the injuries.’ The 22-year-old celebrates scoring a goal for Newcastle, but could find himself leaving St James' Park . Vuckic was deemed sufficiently surplus to requirements to be shipped out in a mass deal arranged when the previous board were still in place. Current interim chairman Paul Murray cited the signing of the quintet without undergoing medicals as an example of the ‘recklessness’ that preceded regime change. Gael Bigirimana will not play this season because of an unspecified ‘medical condition’ he admits was there before he joined Rangers. McCall is also sceptical about Shane Ferguson’s ability to feature, although he will finally arrive at Murray Park next week as recovers from a long-term knee injury. Kevin Mbabu has been training but has yet to make a first-team debut, while Remie Streete didn’t quite make it to half-time against Raith Rovers in February before succumbing to a hamstring injury. It was recently revealed that Rangers will have to pay Newcastle £500,000 for the privilege of the loans if they gain promotion. ‘They are all fighting for their place,’ said Vuckic of his colleagues. ‘Kevin is training, Remi is injured and we all know the problem Biggi has got. ‘I spoke to Fergie and he is coming soon, but he will have to prove himself. The plan is for him to feature before the end of the season. ‘I didn’t feel any pressure personally when I came here. I just wanted to do my maximum for the club and to gain experience. ‘Since the manager came in, I have really enjoyed it. He knows what he is talking about. We all follow his gameplan and we are winning. He came here with a target to put us in the Scottish Premiership. ‘When I first came the changing room was a little bit down because of what was going on here. ‘Now when you start winning games the players are more motivated, enthusiastic and everybody fighting. The quality of the training goes up straight away and you can develop even more.’
Haris Vuckic has spent second half of season on loan at Rangers.
Slovenia star has been a success at Ibrox with six goals in 10 games.
Newcastle may decide to sell him with one year left on his contract.