During Wednesday night’s League Cup quarter-final win over Livingston, few Rangers players covered themselves in glory.
Scott Arfield was one of those who struggled to get a foothold in the game.
The 30-year-old was outstanding during his first campaign at Ibrox, particularly during the second half of the season.
However, he hasn’t quite managed to hit the same heights so far in his second. Whether it’s fatigue following a summer in which he captained Canada in the Gold Cup, or simply a temporary dip in form, things aren’t really coming off for him.
For example, he has just two goals from 14 appearances this season, in comparison to six in ten at the back end of 2018/19 [Soccerbase].
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He’s one of Gerrard’s favourites and he works like a trojan, but while he’s struggling a little, there’s no real downside to giving a new recruit a go.
Greg Stewart, for example.
Rangers attacker Greg Stewart should start vs Aberdeen
When Rangers welcome Aberdeen to Ibrox on Saturday, so as not to leave his team too open, it’s unlikely Gerrard will pluck for two out-and-out wingers in his starting XI.
In that case, the manager would normally opt for Arfield in a roaming role behind the striker over towards the left or right flank.
This time around, Stewart should be given the chance to fill it.
Gers coach Michael Beale recently asserted that the 29-year-old was training well and was due a big opportunity [RangersTV]. Against his old team at Ibrox, this is a perfect time for it.
We recently asked what the point was in picking up the versatile attacker this summer if he wasn’t going to play.
Surely, if he doesn’t get a chance to show what he can do with Jordan Jones and Ryan Kent injured and Arfield out of form, he never will.
Given his poor stint with the Dons last season during which he scored just once in 15 league appearances, he’ll surely feel he has a doubly large point to prove.
The player’s Rangers record shows he has made seven appearances in Light Blue. Yet, only two of those, against St Joseph’s and East Fife, were genuine opportunities. Even then, they came in forgone conclusions of games.
Now it’s time to offer him the chance to show what he can do in a high-pressure environment.
The team needs freshening up after the lacklustre Livi showing and lifelong bluenose Stewart, will be champing at the bit to get a start alongside a license to be creative.