Glenn Middleton’s first-team chances at Rangers have been given a massive boost over the last week.
Rangers’ boy-wonder put in an extremely impressive cameo against Villarreal on Thursday night. The winger played a big part in Rangers’ second equaliser at El Madrigal. This made an instant impression on supporters, with people queuing up to praise the youngster.
Disappointingly, however, he wasn’t anywhere to be seen in the win against St Johnstone on Sunday. Rangers hammered the Saints 5-1 and fully deserved their win. As such, it’s difficult to criticise Steven Gerrard for not giving Middleton another chance to shine.
With Ayr United coming up in the Betfred Cup on Wednesday night at Ibrox, however, it’s time he got another shot.
First of all, it’s important not to underestimate Ayr. The Championship table-toppers are in impressive form, and have won their last two matches. They’ll come to Ibrox as confident as any lower league side could be on Wednesday night. As it stands, they’re the best side outside of the Premiership that Rangers could’ve been drawn against.
That’s no reason for Middleton not to be thrown in, however. The left-winger is a star in the making, as he’s proved in his outings so far for Rangers. Middleton has seven Rangers appearances to his name this season and one goal also. Getting a game this Wednesday, however, would be ideal.
Kent’s responsibility
Ryan Kent has been carrying the can down the left since Jamie Murphy’s injury at Rugby Park. It’s time he got a well-deserved rest in a game Rangers should win regardless.
Middleton would be the perfect replacement. The Graeme Murty signing is itching to be involved this week, and has the potential to cause the Ayr defence real problems with his directness.
Changes are expected to be made on Wednesday, and Middleton isn’t the only one who could come in. A plethora of fringe players could get a shot against the Championship side, as Gerrard will want to keep things fresh.
But it’s important the former Norwich kid continues to get game-time consistently this season. A full 90-minute or minimum 60-minute run-out vs Ayr would be ideal. It seems the perfect replacement to make for Kent if Gerrard does want to pull him.
Let’s not kid ourselves, we’re all itching to see more of Middleton. He has it all in his locker, and could be an absolute star for the club one day. Let’s hope, therefore, that Gerrard gives us all another glimpse into the future on Wednesday night in the Betfred quarter-finals.
