As the season draws to a close, many of the loan players currently away from Rangers will be wondering what the future holds as their temporary deals come to an end.
The Gers have a host of players out on loan at various levels of the league pyramid in Scotland and beyond and Gio van Bronckhorst will be running the rule over many of them for a place in his first-team squad.
Some will already know that their time at Ibrox is coming to an end while others will still be hopeful they can make the grade as a Rangers player.
With leagues starting to finish, we’ve taken a look at a ‘Rangers Loan XI’ and what might await them this summer.
Here’s our team of Rangers loanees and what the future might hold as the season draws to a close:
Andy Firth – Partick Thistle
The keeper has played deputy to Jamie Sneddon at the Jags and with his contract up in the summer, he is unlikely to remain at Ibrox much longer. Wouldn’t be a big surprise to see him remain in Scotland.
James Maxwell – Ayr United
Maxwell has impressed while at Ayr but is likely to move on this summer with his contract coming to an end. Linked with a move to Leeds United earlier this year, Maxwell has admitted previously he is preparing for a future elsewhere. Would make sense to try give him a new deal and see whether he is capable of challenging for first-team minutes.
Niko Katic – Hajduk Split
The popular defender could sign a permanent deal with Hajduk this summer but with Rangers possibly losing as many as three senior centre-back, he’ll likely be given a chance to impress van Bronckhorst over the summer. Playing regularly after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Katic’s Rangers career hinges on the next few months.
Lewis Mayo – Partick Thistle
Mayo is one of a number of Rangers players to have spent time at Firhill this season but is the only one who has really played on a consistent basis. Previously highly regarded under Steven Gerrard, Mayo has plenty of admirers at Partick too. Versatility counts in his favour and, like Katic, may be given a chance to impress in pre-season but is at a critical junction in his career.
Ben Williamson – Raith Rovers
Central midfielder scored twice for the Fifers and played a part in their Challenge Cup success but after starting the season on loan at Livingston, there’s a feeling he’s not lived up to the promise shown 12 months ago. Still another year on his Rangers contract but seems unlikely that it will be extended beyond 2023.
Stevie Kelly – Salford City
One of a few Rangers loanees to head outside of Scotland, Kelly’s lack of minutes before January will have done him no favours. Playing regularly at Salford City but hard to see him coming back and pushing for a regular place in the starting XI at Ibrox now. Could still prove useful to van Bronckhorst’s side though so wouldn’t be a surprise to see him kept around a little bit longer.
Josh McPake – Tranmere Rovers
Another who headed south of Hadrian’s Wall, McPake has found it hard to get regular starts at Tranmere and is quickly running out of time to prove he can make the grade at Ibrox. Once the darling of the Rangers support and management, McPake looks to have been surpassed by a few of his younger colleagues. Another two years on his Rangers deal means another loan move is likely next season.
Kai Kennedy – Hamilton
Kennedy has had loan moves in each of the last four transfer windows moving to Inverness, Raith, Dunfermline and, now, Hamilton without managing to nail down a consistent starting place anywhere. Had a bit more joy at Accies but hasn’t shown enough to suggest he’s likely to come back and challenge for a place in the side. Start placing your bets on which Championship side he’ll start next season on loan with.
Jake Hastie – Linfield
Sometimes signings just don’t work. Hastie is one of those. If he’s still a Rangers player when the transfer window closes in September, it’ll be a huge surprise.
Glenn Middleton – St Johnstone
Middleton played his part in St Johnstone’s double success last season but it hasn’t gone to plan this term as the Perth side fight relegation. The Scotland youth international’s place in the side has been reduced to occasional sub appearances and his days at Ibrox look numbered.
Juan Alegria – Partick Thistle
The Colombian has earned rave reviews in the B team but it hasn’t translated during his time in Maryhill. However, with Alegria still pretty early in his Gers’ stint, it isn’t really anything to worry about. Another loan move sure to follow next term – and then he’ll really need to start delivering.