SFA Performance Director, Malky Mackay, has bigged up Rangers summer signing Sheyi Ojo, in an interview with the Daily Record.
Ojo arrived on loan from Liverpool back in June, and has had a mixed start to his Ibrox stint.
He was left out of the starting XI for last Sunday’s Old Firm, but he frustrated more than impressed the Ibrox faithful after being introduced at half-time.
However, Mackay managed Ojo during a previous loan stint at Wigan and thinks he has all the attributes to succeed.
Especially, now that a familiar face in Ryan Kent has joined him in Glasgow.
SFA Performance Director praises Ojo
“His pace and his beautiful touch – he’s got a good left foot – are his best assets and if he can bring all that together consistently then he’ll do well,” Mackay told the Daily Record. “It’s not easy for players coming to Ibrox and playing in the pressure-cooker atmosphere. He’s young, it’s a different experience coming up to Scotland as well.”
“But he was a great kid and he’s got talent. It’s just about getting up to the pace and physicality of the game in Scotland because if he does then he’s got talent. He’s got fabulous ability at his feet, he’s quick and he’s a great lad as well. It’s a terrific move for him.”
Verdict
This is big praise from Mackay who worked with plenty of young players across his time with Watford, Cardiff City and Wigan.
Yet, it seems he was particularly impressed by what Ojo had to offer, despite the winger still being a teenager during that loan stint.
There’s certainly been some evidence to support Mackay’s comments during the early part of this season. Ojo has four goals and several assists from just ten appearances [Soccerbase], which is a much better ratio than someone like Kent recorded last season.
However, that word ‘consistency’ is the key. On the evidence of what we’ve seen so far, you’re never quite sure which Ojo will turn up.
He’s either excellent or anonymous and if that continues, it could pose Gerrard some unwelcome selection headaches. If the Gers are going to challenge for the title, he needs to be able to rely on his creative players week in, week out.
