Our Half-Term Reports took a back seat yesterday, as there was transfer news aplenty.
However, they are back, this time, with an appraisal of Gareth McAuley’s impact at Rangers.
The big centre-back joined the club in September as a free agent, after his contract at West Brom had expired in July.
A fairly serious calf injury proved to be an early set back. It ensured that he was ruled out of the 12 matches immediately proceeding his arrival.
However, after regaining fitness, he slowly worked his way into the side.
After the drop in form of Nikola Katic, he became a regular during the congested fixtures at the beginning of December.
Injuries have troubled the veteran
Alongside Connor Goldson at the back, he started to look increasingly comfortable in his surroundings.
However, he has only contributed to three clean sheets so far in a Rangers shirt. What’s more, a muscle injury picked up against Hibs, ruled him out of the last three matches ahead of the winter break.
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In all, he has only actually made made eight appearances. Not exactly the impact Steven Gerrard would have hoped for.
Yet, there have been glimpses that even at 39, the seasoned international has more to offer.
If he can stay fit in 2019, he will be an excellent asset. After a timely break during which he can recuperate, the soon to be MBE, should come back with a point to prove.
He is a cult hero in Northern Ireland, and if he can help steer Rangers’ course towards a 55th top flight title, he can still become one at Ibrox, too.
