After netting his first goal for Shrewsbury Town, can Greg Docherty perform well enough to impress Steven Gerrard?
The on-loan Ranger grabbed his first goal in his loan spell in England. With a game at Portsmouth tied at 0-0, Docherty showed good predatory striking skills to latch onto a defensive error and tuck it away.
The goal ultimately wouldn’t prove to be the winner, with Brett Pittman equalising for Portsmouth in the last minute. Regardless, it was a huge moment for Docherty to get his first goal of the season.
Former Hamilton ace Docherty has, by all accounts, impressed so far in England’s League One. Using his trademark engine, he’s helped control games for Shrewsbury from the engine room. The English outfit’s form isn’t something to be impressed by, but Docherty’s certainly is.
The midfielder was brought to Ibrox by Graeme Murty last January. Despite being a mainstay in the side for the final six months of the season, Gerrard chose to farm him out as part of his Rangers revolution.
Sights on the future
There still remains a huge future at the club for the youngster, however. Ovie Ejaria, Ryan Jack, and Lassana Coulibaly are all impressing in the midfield. Yet, there’s no reason to believe Docherty can’t perform to their levels either.
He was one of the most popular figures in the first-team last year, even though that isn’t much to shout about. Docherty put in a power of running throughout his six months in and around the first-team.
Yet, when it came to a cutting edge, it appears that Gerrard just wanted a bit more than what Docherty could provide. That’s why improving on the goals front would be a big help to his situation at Ibrox.
Rangers have had problems netting from midfield this season. Out of everyone in the centre of the park, only Ejaria and Coulibaly have gotten on the score-sheet.
It’s a positive start to life in England for Docherty. Gerrard is sure to be watching, and more goals like his one yesterday would help massively.
