Rangers became immediately weaker when Tom Lawrence went down injured against Ross County at Ibrox in September last year.
Nearly a year later and the Wales international has only been seen for a handful of pre-season minutes.
A place on the bench against Morton in the league cup was a welcome sight for Rangers fans as Tom Lawrence looks to get back to full fitness.
One thing that is still missing from Michael Beale’s side, is goals and assists from midfield.
Kieran Dowell is off and running after scoring against Livingston but Lawrence is is the sort of player who will attack the box, not pass the ball around it.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
Before being injured, he had produced a goal or an assist every 90 minutes in the league.
Rangers need Tom Lawrence back and on form
Speaking to Rangers TV, the 29-year old said of his recent set-back and his current situation:
“I had a little hiccup with a little challenge in training but I’m back training now and I’ve done this full week.
“I’m feeling alright and just trying to get the fitness back into me because I’ve been a long time out and I know it’s going to take a bit of time to get back up to speed.
“I missed a lot of football last year. When you miss that amount of games it’s tough so I just can’t wait to be back out there.
“It was a bit frustrating in pre-season because I wasn’t quite ready to join in with the group.
“It’s always good to get a full pre-season under your belt which I haven’t done so it’s difficult but you have to try and make the most of it now I’m back in training and try and get my fitness up.”
Hopefully, the Rangers manager will use Tom Lawrence in one of the number eight positions.
So far this season, we have looked too predictable with more than one defensive midfielder and with players who can’t beat a press by dribbling or passing the ball.
Alongside Ianis Hagi, Rangers have a player with the mentality and mindset needed to kickstart what is already a season that is in danger of drifting.
The sooner he is back, the better.