Graham Dorrans’ return from injury appears to be a big boost if you ask Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.
Despite a long-term injury seeing him miss the start of the season, Gerrard seems to rate Dorrans highly. It looked as though the former West Brom man’s game-time would be limited this season with the array of talent impressing in the midfield. Ovie Ejaria, Lassana Coulibaly, Ryan Jack, and Andy Halliday have all particularly impressed.
Yet, Dorrans returned to the fold in the 2-2 draw at Villarreal on Thursday. A short cameo looked like it would do nothing but give him some minutes on the pitch. But, in truth, Dorrans nearly set up a stunning winner when he played in Scott Arfield. This came after he danced around several of the Spanish stars to create some space.
From that short stint on the field in Spain, Rangers fans remembered why they wanted Dorrans in the first place.
Gerrard stated that he knows all about the midfielder’s talent, and that it’s great to have him back in the fold.
“Graham can play anywhere in midfield. Since I came in, he’s been desperate to be back involved. That little mazy run for Arfield’s chance was fantastic. It was incredible from a guy only on the pitch for a couple of minutes.
“Graham was always a hard opponent. That West Brom midfield had some good technicians with Graham, James Morrison and Youssouf Mulumbu. So when I arrived he was one I was keen to get fit as soon as possible. Now he’s smiling again – and Thursday night will do him the world of good.
“We’re now hoping he pushes on and is available for the rest of the season.”
Strongly in contention
In the past, we’ve questioned whether Dorrans has a future at Ibrox. Due to the impressive performances of his direct competition, it seemed like an obvious choice for Gerrard to push Dorrans out.
But, it seems the Rangers manager is determined to give last season’s star-signing the chance to prove himself like Andy Halliday. Dorrans has the advantage of being a better player overall than Halliday, therefore could turn into a valuable asset.
There’s no denying a fully-fit and in-form Dorrans would be a huge plus for Rangers. They still haven’t score too many goals from the centre of midfield this season, and he would help chip in with that.
It would be a further boost for him if he was able to nab a place in today’s starting line-up against St Johnstone. It’s unexpected that Dorrans will start the match, but at the very least another cameo would give fans a second glimpse of his form.
Regardless, it’s clear Gerrard likes him and is looking forward to having Dorrans around. Midfield options are as high as they’ve been in a long-time when you combine both quality and quantity.
Whether Dorrans can push himself right to the front of the queue for contention remains to be seen.
