Glenn Middleton’s chances in the Rangers starting XI are set to improve – that’s exactly why he should stay put at Ibrox in January.
With the form of Ryan Kent initially limiting Middleton’s time on the park, whispers of a loan deal were heard. Perhaps the Scotland under-21 international could’ve done with more first-team exposure elsewhere.
There certainly wasn’t much chance of a look-in for him pre-Moscow. Kent and Daniel Candeias were in blistering form, and Steven Gerrard just couldn’t justify dropping either of them.
Fortunately for Middleton, however, his big chance has now been placed on his shoulders. Today, he’ll likely feature in the starting line-up against Motherwell at Ibrox. Coming fresh off the back of his goal in Moscow, it’s fair to say the confidence should be roaring through him.
Another positive display against the Steelmen at Ibrox will should see him cement himself for the next couple of games against Livingston and Villarreal. With Kent sidelined until after the international break at the earliest, Middleton has a serious chance to impress here.
The opportunities of the left-side
He, in a way, has the same chance now that Andy Halliday does just behind him. With Borna Barisic still sidelined, the onus has been on Halliday to be a reliable performer in his absence. Now, he deserves to make that spot his own and challenge Barisic to get it off him.
There’s absolutely no reason why Middleton can’t do the same down the left. So far this term, Middleton has made 16 appearances this season. He’s also bagged four goals and notched two assists. To put it into perspective, he’s made just four less appearances than Steven Gerrard’s number one midfielder – Scott Arfield.
As it stands, Middleton is the only replacement for Kent at the moment. Rangers don’t seem to be looking for a left-winger in January either, meaning there is a strong trust in the youngster.
Whilst a month or so ago it may have looked beneficial for Middleton to go out on loan, that doesn’t seem the case now. Kent will remain first-choice, and is likely to go back into the side when he’s fit. That may still be a few weeks away yet, however.
Until then, Gerrard has shown he likes what he sees from Middleton. The youngster, therefore, would be best suited staying at Ibrox for the time being.
