Rangers winger Glenn Middleton sends message to Gerrard with Scotland U21s strike

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Rangers winger Glenn Middleton has sent a message to Steven Gerrard after netting in an important qualifier for Scotland U21s against Croatia.

Middleton hasn’t made a first-team appearance for Rangers since April 2019 after falling well down the pecking order at Ibrox.

Glenn Middleton made 28 Rangers appearances during the 2018/19 season. (Photo by Johann Schwarz/SEPA.Media /Getty Images)

He failed to impress Gerrard during subsequent loan stints with Hibernian and Bradford City and so far this season, he’s been restricted to B team appearances.

However, he was training with the first-team in the weeks leading up to the international break and Jordan Jones’ suspension means the door may finally be ajar for him once again.

He had a big opportunity to impress the manager in a high-profile fixture on Thursday afternoon, as Scotland U21s took on Croatia at Tynecastle in a European Championships qualifier.

Middleton didn’t make the starting XI but he did take his chance after being introduced as a half-time substitute.

Rangers winger Glenn Middleton is subbed on for Scotland U21s. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Picking up the ball in the right corner of the box, he cut inside to evade a defender, before getting off a strong left-footed shot.

The Croatia goalkeeper then did the Ger a favour by letting the effort slip under his body, as Scotland took the lead.

Red cards for both teams and an equaliser from Connor McLennan followed as the game ended in a 2-2 draw that sent Scot Gemmill’s side top of Group D with a game to play.

With his goal, Middleton proved that he’s capable of making an impact against quality opposition and he’ll get another chance to show Gerrard what he’s missing in Athens on Tuesday afternoon.

A win over Greece would guarantee the U21s a spot at the Euros.