Rangers first-team coach Michael Beale has praised Ibrox loanee Glenn Middleton after he scored a late winner against Ross County to seal a top-six Premiership finish for St Johnstone.
Middleton joined the Saints on loan in January in search of playing time, having only made one first-team appearance for the Gers over the first half of the season.
Things haven’t quite gone to plan at McDiarmid Park, as he is yet to start a Premiership match and prior to this weekend, had only made four substitute appearances, each of which lasted less than half an hour.
He made his first tangible contribution to the Saints’ cause on Saturday afternoon, though, and it would prove to be an extremely important one.
Middleton was subbed on for Guy Melamed in the 75th minute and scored an excellent goal just four minutes from time.
He received a pass from Stevie May on the left corner of the six-yard box and turned neatly, took one touch to steady himself and then fired confidently between the keeper’s legs.
It was a fantastic piece of play from the 21-year-old and with St Mirren conceding a late equaliser at Hamilton, the goal sealed a top-six finish for Callum Davidson’s side.
Middleton was in the middle of some big celebrations at the full-time whistle and he was put forward for press duty after the game.
Gers first-team coach Beale was impressed by the loanee’s efforts on and off the pitch and took to Twitter to praise him.
“Well done @Glenn_M22 – delighted to see you scoring today but also speaking so well in the post-match interview.”
Middleton responded later in the evening, writing: “Thanks a lot Mic! all the best for tomorrow.”
The Scotland youth international is under contract at Ibrox until 2023 but with several other attackers out on loan elsewhere and impressing, he’ll likely feel that the pressure is on to produce more goals and assists after the split if he’s to force his way into Steven Gerrard’s plans for next season.
Ahead of the Old Firm, check out our Predicted XI and our Preview Video over on the Rangers News YouTube channel.
