Home » Teams » Rangers » Gerrard would be absolutely clever to get the best out of this returning Rangers starlet

Gerrard would be absolutely clever to get the best out of this returning Rangers starlet

Why Steven Gerrard must get the best out of Glenn Middleton

According to Daily Record, Glenn Middleton has returned to Rangers after his season-long loan spell was cut short by Hibernian.

Middleton, 19, came through the ranks of Norwich City’s youth system and he joined Rangers’ U20 squad in the summer of 2018. After 6 months with the Gers’ reserve team, he got promoted to the first-team and featured in 14 Premiership games last season, where he scored 2 and assisted 3 times.

Earlier this year, he was sent on loan to Hibernian with the hopes of getting regular game time for a season before returning to his parent club. But his early return was unexpected as the Hibs explained that Martin Boyle returned from injury before expected and has picked up his form, according to the report.

Glenn Middleton during his time at Norwich City (Getty Images)
Glenn Middleton during his time at Norwich City (Getty Images)

This has left Middleton without any action from October. He played just 6 games for Eddie May’s side and a few days back, he was spotted training with Steven Gerrard’s side, thus making himself available for the manager for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, the Glasgow outfit are in a superb run of form since the former Liverpool man’s arrival at Ibrox stadium. They are currently below their rivals Celtic on the standings and would be hoping to get their hands on the title by the end of the season.

With half the season to go, Gerrard would be satisfied to see his players stay fit, and Middleton’s return is a huge boost for the side.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard (Getty Images)
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard (Getty Images)

Kent has been a regular on the left in recent weeks and Arfield, despite being a central midfielder, has covered well on the right flank. Ojo has featured in 15 league games so far but is yet to claim the spot for himself even after providing 5 assists for his side.

Other wingers like Jordan Jones, Brandon Barker, Jamie Murphy, and Eros Grezda have not been in the squad for the majority of the season, playing in very few games. Therefore, it would be the right time for the manager to make use of the highly-talented Glenn Middleton.

The 19-year-old was considered surplus to requirements by the Canaries, according to Daily Record, and former manager Graeme Murty took the opportunity and signed him before departing in May 2018. Since then, the teenager has been very influential for the side and he benched Grezda after making his first appearance for the senior team under Gerrard.

Glenn Middleton (Getty Images)
Glenn Middleton (Getty Images)

At the moment, Kent is playing on the left without any proper backup and if Middleton does well, he can be used as well. He also has the qualities to excel on the other flank and by playing regularly, he can soon claim the spot for himself as he has got the character to do so.

Read more

Verdict

The onus would be on Gerrard to get the best out of the teenager, whose fresh legs can provide balance to their already flourishing attack system. This would help other players in the squad to get some rest in the midst of a busy schedule.