Rangers have taken a noticeable change of direction in recent weeks with Philippe Clement introducing younger players.
The academy has often been criticised, however, the manager has talked up players like Bailey Rice and Findlay Curtis in recent weeks and clearly wants them to form part of his squad moving forward.
Kieran Dowell and Rabbi Matondo have been moved on, but Rangers fans were frustrated at seeing Tom Lawrence given some minutes whilst other Auchenhowie products say on the bench.
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Rangers fans not happy about Tom Lawrence game time
Lawrence is out of contract at the end of the season and, at 31-years old, on decent money, has been linked with a move away already and is unlikely to be offered a new deal – especially with his injury history over the last three seasons.
Taking to X, despite the 4-0 win, these Rangers fans were fuming that the Wales international was given game time ahead of others who might be at the club in the long term.
“Lawrence on instead of Curtis seems a bit pointless for everyone,” opened one emphasising that we all know what the Rangers No.11 can do and the score was 3-0.
“Can’t really complain when we’re 4-0 up and have been comfortable for the most part of the game. However.. Bajrami and Lawrence over giving Curtis minutes? Come on!” Fumed another as the young Gers winger sat on the bench.
“Tom Lawrence coming on for the last 17 minutes. Sure that will get people talking as we head towards the last day of the transfer window,” noted the This is Ibrox podcast.
Does Clement have to improve his game management?
This fan made a valid point about Clement’s squad management, especially when a game is already in control:
“This is what annoys fans when Clement goes on about a young team. 3-0 up, game is flat as anything & he could bring on some young energetic lads that would get the fans up and give them valuable minutes instead of guys like Propper and Lawrence who likely won’t be here next year.”
Whilst this fan suggested that it isn’t the first time such a call has been made, “Lawrence over Curtis is the type of decision that has this club in such a mess.”
Clement can be guilty of making what seem like strange substitutions, but he has also said that, just because Curtis has made his debut, it doesn’t mean that he will now play every week.
And he’s right.
Fans want the young players to be given a chance, but we don’t get to see training.
There is still a hierarchy whether we like it or not and Lawrence might yet be needed, even if his future does lie elsewhere.
