Rangers winger, Glenn Middleton, must look to secure a loan move away from Ibrox as soon a possible, in order to prove to Steven Gerrard he has what it takes to succeed as a Ger.
The 20-year-old burst onto the scene during the 2018/19 campaign, Gerrard’s first at Ibrox, making 25 appearances in all competitions before the turn of the year.
Middleton provided a handful of assists in the Premiership and even scored in the Europa League group stages away at Spartak Moscow.
However, he fell out of favour after the winter break and has only appeared for the first team three times in the last 18 months.
Unsuccessful stints at Hibernian and Bradford City last season brought the winger no closer to the manager’s plans and even after the departures of Jake Hastie and Jamie Murphy on loan, he’s still well down the pecking order behind the likes of Ryan Kent, Brandon Barker, Ianis Hagi, Jordan Jones and Greg Stewart.
The Scotland youth international travelled to France for pre-season but after failing to make the matchday squad for any of the club’s first six Premiership fixtures, it’s time for him to try to head out again and prove himself elsewhere.
He has the security of a long-term deal at Ibrox which lasts until the summer of 2023 [BBC Sport], but unless he knuckles down and proves he can perform consistently, he may not represent the club again at senior level.
In theory, there shouldn’t be any shortage of takers for a pacey, dynamic left-sided winger with experience of European football.
Many Gers, including recent departees Greg Docherty and Ross McCrorie, have gone elsewhere and failed to convince the manager of their worth.
At this stage, though, Middleton going to a reputable league and playing a starring role looks to be the only plausible way he’ll be able to find a route back into the Rangers XI.
