Glenn Middleton’s appearances at Ibrox have certainly become more frequent, and Steven Gerrard has praised his young warrior.
Rangers overcame Livingston 3-0 in what was one of Middleton’s more quieter games. He did produce the assist for Daniel Candeias’ 20th-minute opener, and that ultimately set Rangers on their way. Over the course of the 90 minutes, however, Middleton will feel he could’ve done more.
The winger is the only available left-winger fully fit at Ibrox these days. Therefore, plenty is being asked of him in Gerrard’s squad with both Ryan Kent and Jamie Murphy sidelined.
The Rangers manager, however, wasn’t for letting his youngster go without praise for his contribution to the Livi win. Speaking to Rangers TV after the game, Gerrard singled out the Scotland Under-21 star for praise.
“Glenn’s direct and he loves one-v-ones. But sometimes when you can’t get the better of your opponent in one-v-ones you have to provide your contribution from a different way.
“Glenn’s doing fine. I just have to managed him very well. He’s in the starting XI and there will be a time where I have to protect him as well because he’s still very young.
“But I’m very pleased with Glenn, certainly over the last two weeks. But from day one he’s shown a great attitude.”
Growing pains
The more first-team exposure Middleton gets, the more we’ll see some of his quieter performances. Rangers supporters have simply been fortunate to see him in such lightning form since coming into the side.
It does have to be said that he struggled a tad against Livingston’s Declan Gallagher. Certain Premiership full-backs will provide sterner tests than others, and this is all key for Middleton’s development going forward.
In what’s becoming a breakout year for him, the winger has now made 16 appearances in light blue this season. He’s notched an impressive five goals and three assists under Gerrard, and he’s learning on a weekly-basis.
It’s pleasing for him to hear his manager be so praiseworthy after one of his quieter games, however. Middleton just continues to be meteoric in his rise through the Ibrox ranks, and Kent shouldn’t just be thrown right in at the first chance upon his return from injury.
Rangers and Middleton are moving in the right direction, and fans can be delighted with the progress of both.
