It’s a massive summer for Greg Docherty.
The 22-year-old midfielder has returned from a loan stint with Shrewsbury Town and is looking to make his mark at Ibrox.
However, he faces major competition for a spot in the team.
By the end of last season, a trio of Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara, and Steven Davis ruled the roost in midfield. And while Docherty has been prioritised ahead of the likes of Jordan Rossiter and Graham Dorrans, it’s going to be tough to break through. Particularly following the recent arrival of Joe Aribo.
Yet, in a friendly against Mansfield Town yesterday, he struck the first blow in his bid to give Steven Gerrard a major selection headache.
Doc on the scoresheet
Docherty scored from distance as the Gers triumphed 2-0.
The friendly was a spread out over three periods of 30 minutes and Docherty was only given a go in the third section, perhaps indicating where he currently ranks in terms of the manager’s thinking.
However, in the dying embers of the game, he netted a ‘stunning 20-yard strike’ to secure the win [Daily Record]. That’s after new signing, Sheyi Ojo, had scored during the first period.
Docherty hasn’t scored a competitive goal for the club. Yet, he netted ten times whilst away on loan last season and it’s an area of his game where he’s improved markedly.
He’ll be hoping that this was the first of many big pre-season contributions.
There’s no doubt he faces an uphill battle to get into the side, but if he keeps taking opportunities to impress across the coming weeks, he will prove to ignore.
