Rangers look to be targeting the flanks as an area to improve for the coming season.
Jordan Jones has already been confirmed as a summer arrival after he signed a pre-contract agreement with the club back in January.
Now, it looks as though another wide man is Ibrox-bound. The Express reports a deal with Motherwell’s Jake Hastie will be confirmed this week.
These are two rough diamonds, but also two of the most exciting players in the SPL.
Jones is 24 but had almost no senior football under his belt when he signed for Kilmarnock in 2016. Therefore, he’s still a work in progress and is bound to frustrate the fans at times. His decision-making and final product definitely need work.
At 20, Hastie is much newer to the professional game. In fact, he only made his Motherwell debut in January, following loan spells at Airdrie and Alloa.
He too will have a lot of developing to do. The pressure of turning out for Rangers will be something entirely new and finding a consistency of performance will be key.
However, when these two are on song, they are frightening prospects. If used in tandem next season, they could wreak havoc amongst SPL defences.
New signing on each flank
Jones is comfortable on the left, hugging the touchline, going past players and getting balls into the box. Hastie is less jinky but stronger and also possesses excellent pace. He’s left-footed but there’s no issue with the two competing directly.
Hastie prefers the right side, from which he can cut it and let fly at goal. During his short SPL career, we have already seen just how devastating that can be.
There will be obstacles ahead for both of these players. Hastie would have to usurp Daniel Candeias on the right side, while even if Ryan Kent leaves the club, Jones will have his hands full with the likes of Grezda and Middleton.
Yet, if Gerrard can get these two on the pitch at the same time, it will certainly get the fans out of their seats.
The Gers have often struggled to break opposition teams down this season. These two could help ensure those sorts of outings are fewer and further between, next campaign.
