Rangers midfielder Docherty tipped for Ibrox exit by BT Sport team

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On Sunday afternoon, Rangers got past East Fife with a 3-0 victory in Methil.

The blustery conditions made things more difficult than they may otherwise have been. Yet, goals from Jermain Defoe and Joe Aribo, with an own goal (credited to Helander on Twitter), sandwiched in between their strikes, ensured the Gers progressed to the League Cup quarter-finals.

Aribo was the only player to retain his place from Thursday night’s XI which dispatched FC Midtjylland at Ibrox, with several fringe players getting much-needed game time.

One of those was Greg Docherty, who lasted an hour before being replaced by new arrival, Andy King.

Unfortunately, the 22-year-old wasn’t at his best and struggled to stamp his authority on the game in midfield.

Docherty struggled a little while Joe Aribo pulled the strings. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Rangers midfielder Docherty tipped for move

That was picked up on by the members of the BT Sport commentary team, who suggested that an Ibrox exit may soon be on the cards.

Rory Hamilton and Michael Stewart initially discussed Docherty, with one saying that he ‘hadn’t done enough’ in the game and that ‘you’ve got to wonder where his playing time is coming from’ in the months ahead.

Stephen Craigan then chimed in and suggested that with the amount of competition in Rangers’ midfield, he would be better off looking for a loan move before the window shuts. He suggested that an EFL League One or a League Two club could be a suitable venue.

Docherty won Player of the Year at League One Shrewsbury last season. (Photo by Alan Hayward/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Verdict

Docherty wasn’t at his best on Sunday afternoon, and it wasn’t a major surprise to see him taken off on the hour mark. Andy King was always going to make his debut after signing earlier in the week.

However, the 22-year-old shouldn’t be written off after just one indifferent performance. He excelled on loan at Shrewsbury last year and impressed fans with his efforts in pre-season.

What’s more, judging by Steven Gerrard’s comments in midweek, he has no intention of letting the blue nose leave.

The manager claimed in a presser that he was pushing hard for selection and that ideally, there would be six central midfielders at the club. The next night, King arrived at Ibrox, and while he increases the competition for Docherty, the Premier League winner’s arrival is not a precursor for his exit.

The midfielder wasn’t at his best against East Fife, but despite the comments of the BT Sport team, he is likely to still be a Ger at the end of this transfer window.