<p>Versatile New York City FC player James Sands has claimed that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Major League Soccer</a> provides a better test than the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/scottish-premiership-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scottish Premiership</a>. The 22-year-old center back/midfielder previously spent the last year on loan with Scottish side Rangers. </p>



<p>Sands was supposed to remain with the Glasgow club for the remainder of the current campaign, but he asked to cut the loan deal short. The American’s playing time had diminished in recent months. He returned to his parent club NYFC in early March. Sands has started every MLS match for the team since being implemented back into the squad.</p>



<h2>James Sands praises quality of MLS over Scottish Premiership</h2>



<p>Reporters recently asked Sands about the competition in MLS. “I really look forward to those sorts of challenges,” <a href="https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/23464279.ex-rangers-ace-james-sands-slates-standard-scottish-premiership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Sands. “That’s something that I get here in MLS that I didn’t get at all, really, in Scotland in the league there. So it’s a nice change.”</p>



<p>“Those guys [opposition players] will get the better of me sometimes, but it’s all about learning. I’m still a young player, and I’m trying to improve, so those are night-shifts I really look forward to.”</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="James Sands Returns to NYCFC as the new #6 | Interview" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d27v1rdZ9jE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h5>Sands back in the USMNT squad</h5>



<p>The versatile Sands was also recently recalled to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usmnt-tv-schedule/">United States men’s national team</a>. He was last in the squad for World Cup qualification matches in March of 2022. However, Sands did not feature in the trio of games. The defender/midfielder hasn’t played for his country since September of 2021.</p>



<p>Along with fielding questions about his time at Rangers, Sands was also asked about the USMNT call-up. </p>



<p>“It’s good. I’ve been out of the national team for a little bit now, so it’s nice to have another opportunity,” Sands <a href="https://www.nycfc.com/news/james-sands-i-ll-give-my-usmnt-shot-everything" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a>. It’s just a couple days I’m there, so I just have to give it everything. I think I’ve worked really hard over the last couple months, so I’m very excited.”</p>



<p>Sands has the opportunity to possibly face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mexico-national-team-tv-schedule/">Mexico</a> on Wednesday. The two bitter rivals are set to play in the inaugural <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usa-mexico-tv-coverage-plans-continental-clasico-20230418-WST-428973.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Allstate Continental Clasico</a> in Glendale, Arizona.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


NYCFC's James Sands criticizes Scottish Premiership

Versatile New York City FC player James Sands has claimed that Major League Soccer provides a better test than the Scottish Premiership. The 22-year-old center back/midfielder previously spent the last year on loan with Scottish side Rangers. Sands was supposed to remain with the Glasgow club for the remainder of the current campaign, but he [&hellip;]

New York City FC midfielder James Sands has claimed that Major League Soccer provides a better challenge than the Scottish Premiership.

<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-103228" title="shola-ameobi" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2014/06/shola-ameobi-532x360.webp" alt="" width="532" height="360" sizes="(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px"></figure></div>
<p>After confirming <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/06/02/david-villa-joins-new-york-city-fc-watch-his-interview-as-a-nycfc-player/">David Villa has joined New York City FC</a>, the MLS team continues to work on bolstering their strike force as they are now linked with the potential signing of Shola Ameobi, formerly of Newcastle United.</p>
<p>The Nigerian international is currently a free agent and training with his country to prepare for the World Cup. Before his contract expired, Ameobi was with Newcastle United for 14 years. The 32-year-old was, at first, a consistent starter but then injuries derailed him and eventually the target man became a fringe player.</p>
<p>“When you grow up watching your heroes, you hope and pray that you get the chance to play for the team you support,” said Ameobi, quoted in the <a href="www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/sydney-new-york-city-fc-7220790" target="_blank">Newcastle Chronicle</a> newspaper. “I’ve managed to live that dream and be a part of the history and fabric of this great club. That is something I don’t take lightly, and I fully appreciate how lucky I have been. I hope the fans realize that I have given everything for this club – blood, sweat and my soul. Hopefully they can appreciate that. You have a lot of players who come and go but I have tried to be true to myself every single game and every single season, and I can sleep at night knowing I couldn’t have done any more. What I have put on the table has been all of me, and I am very proud to be able to say that.”</p>
<p>Sydney FC in Australia are also interested in Ameobi while Hull City manager Steve Bruce has also expressed an interest. But if NYCFC Director of Football Operations Claudio Reyna and the owners back the move, then Ameobi may be joining New York City FC alongside <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/06/02/frank-lampard-announces-he-will-be-leaving-chelsea-fueling-speculation-of-move-to-new-york-city-fc/">Frank Lampard</a> for their inaugural season in MLS during 2015.</p>


New York City FC Interested In Signing Shola Ameobi, Says Report

New York City FC Interested In Signing Shola Ameobi, Says Report - World Soccer Talk

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