GAEL BIGIRIMANA is out to resolve some unfinished business in Scottish football.

Two years ago the midfielder was part of the now notorious Newcastle Five that was shipped up to Rangers in a last-ditch loan switch from St James' Park.

Along with the likes of Shane Ferguson, Remie Streete, Kevin Mbabu and Haris Vuckic, Bigirimana arrived at Murray Park under a storm of controversy as part of a deal brokered by former chief executive Derek Llambias. However, the Burundi-born 23-year-old never played for the Ibrox club, with a 'mystery illness' cited as the reason for his absence.

Read more: Steven Whittaker: I don't fear the jeers at Rangers

It proved to be one of the most testing periods of Bigirimana's fledgling career, a career that thankfully for him has gone from strength to strength ever since.

And now back in Scotland after penning a two-year deal with Motherwell, the man who who won two Coventry City player of the year awards last season is finally ready to make his mark in Scotland.

He said: “You can say I have unfinished business.

“The first time I came to Scotland I loved the place. It’s nice people, so we will see how this turns out.

“It was difficult. Hopefully the fans that never got to see me play will have the chance now, but probably against them [Rangers] on the first day.

“You can say it was hard because as a player you want to play games. I ended up staying at Rangers for five months just running around in training. I had to learn from it, even though I didn’t play, it was a great experience and great people I met there.

Read more: Steven Whittaker: I don't fear the jeers at Rangers

“It’s very hard for your mindset. I have my faith in my lord Jesus and faith that he’ll take me through those difficult situations and keeps me strong."

Bigirimana's last involvement at Rangers was to watch them falter in the Premiership play-off final, ironically to Motherwell.

The following campaign Newcastle once again farmed the creative central midfielder out on loan to Coventry City, and it was at the Ricoh Arena the Burundi internationalist really flourished, eventually penning a permanent one-year deal at the start of last season.

“You never know what you are made of until you step out of your comfort zone," he added.

“Living in England and coming to Scotland for the first time I never knew what the place was like. It’s really working by faith.

“You meet new people, have a new experience with fresh challenges and obstacles. It’s just about learning from life.”

For a player who was born in East Africa, coming to Motherwell may be a smidge of a culture shock, but he is relishing the prospect of being part of something new under Stephen Robinson.

Read more: Steven Whittaker: I don't fear the jeers at Rangers

He was one of five making their competitive debuts in claret and amber during Saturday's 5-1 Betfred Cup win over Queen's Park, and he said: “It’s an opportunity to play football in a good league and a chance for a fresh start. It’s a new era here. I thought it would be a great journey to be a part of and I took a leap of faith.

“Motherwell were interested. I spoke to the manager to find out what they want from me, and that was it. I really liked the atmosphere of the place and felt it was a good club to play for.

“The most important thing was the win and being positive, scoring goals. It’s a fresh good start for me.

“As a midfielder you want to get a goal or make an assist and I did that.

“It’s a good opportunity for preparation for the start of the season. These games are important, you need to push yourself to get fitness."