In a season where Rangers have missed a lot of chances and lacked a clinical edge, Tom Lawrence has been a huge miss.
It’s easy to forget just how productive the 23-times capped Wales international was as he looked to earn a place in his country’s World Cup squad.
With three goals and two assists from nine games, Tom Lawrence had made an impressive start to life at Rangers, playing both in midfield and the front three.
Tom Lawrence’s return to fitness will be a massive boost for Michael Beale and Rangers when the new season kicks off.
Rangers return for Tom Lawrence is bad news for one player
With the Gers gaffer giving an update on Lawrence claiming that pre-season training is now a realistic timescale for recovery, it could affect his summer recruitment.
More pertinently, it could affect a new contract offer for Scott Arfield.
If Rangers re-sign Malik Tillman, there is no need for Arfield to be offered a new deal, who has scored 43 goals since singing in 2018.
Even as a home grown player, it can’t be justified based purely on that remit.
His form has been good when he has been used as an impact sub but next season will see too many good players competing for the same minutes.
Arfield has had as much game time because Lawrence and Alex Lowry were injured.
Next season, Todd Cantwell will be the first name on the teamsheet, with Kieran Dowell also expected to arrive.
Signing a player who will be 35 next season purely to play the odd 10 minutes here and there is pointless, it’s also a waste of money that could be spent elsewhere.
It’s not a question of Arfield’s ability, or of his influence off the park but if Michael Beale wants to trim the squad then it is an easy place to start the rebuild.
Other than Ryan Jack, none of the players whose contracts are expiring should have new offers put in front of them.
It’s time to look forward with clarity, not look backwards with sentiment.
