Michael Beale’s tenure at Rangers delivered far from the exciting soundbites that he promised, however, one thing he did get right was including Tom Lawrence in the Europa League squad.
The 29-year old Welshman has barely kicked a ball this season, and yet, he could be about to play a key role at a pivotal time in the season.
A league cup final is on the horizon as is a massive Old Firm derby at Parkhead and Rangers will need the experience and guile of Tom Lawrence.
Rangers given Tom Lawrence boost in big game run
As a 77th minute substitute for Sam Lammers with the score at 3-0, it seemed little more than an exercise to give the playmaker some valuable minutes on his return from injury.
Instead, what it did, was serve as a reminder of who our best number 10 really is.
Every time he got the ball he looked capable of making something happen and nearly contributed to a fourth goal when his powerful long range drive couldn’t be held by Zander Clark and Cyriel Dessers wasn’t quite quick enough to the rebound.
What is easily forgotten, given how long he has been out, is just how good Rangers number 11 is at dribbling, and this ball carrying threat from Tom Lawrence could be crucial to create space for players like Danilo and Abdallah Sima.
Rangers need as many goalscorers as possible in the team and Lawrence has proven already in his short time at the club that he can provide a threat from midfield.
When Rangers signed Tom Lawrence on a free transfer, it looked like a great bit of business only for injury to derail his career.
Hopefully, injury free, he can return to the sort of form that made him an instant fans’ favourite and make the sort of impact that Sam Lammers has yet to provide since signing in the summer.
