Glenn Middleton’s fitness was one of the key aspects Steven Gerrard touched on post-Motherwell.
After hammering Steve Robinson’s men 7-1 at Ibrox, Gerrard quickly turned towards the international break. Whilst he’s delighted with the players involved with their national sides, he did single out one cause for concern in Middleton.
Apparently, the Gers manager is concerned with the amount of games ahead for his young hot-shot. These are the direct comments made to Rangers TV after the Motherwell match.
“I think it’s very important now that Scotland look after him.
“He’s got three games in 10 days which I’m very concerned about. I hope he gets the same care and attention shown to him there that he does at Ibrox.”
Correct and straight to the point
First of all, the Rangers manager has every reason to be concerned about the fitness of his young prodigy. With Middleton subsequently coming on to some rich form at Ibrox, he needs him to be at that level each week.
With Ryan Kent sidelined, however, the need for Middleton to be fresh has never been more important. At such a young age, 18, it’s important that Scotland’s Under-19s don’t burn him out.
The young Scots have three matches in 10 days. They travel to Wales before hosting both San Marino and Sweden at home. Considering both of these matches are qualifiers for the UEFA Under-19 Championship, they’re of vital importance. Middleton is one of, if not the most, experienced player in there. He’s highly likely to therefore feature in all three games.
Gerrard’s primary concern is clearly about the well-being of his young player. The argument will be made that professional footballers can play three games in 10 days. Whilst that’s true, he’ll hardly be in peak condition when he returns to Ibrox.
The injury situation at Rangers is of big concern to everyone. Jamie Murphy has been joined by Kent on the injury list, with a date not set for the latter’s return. Kent was missing the Motherwell win with a hamstring knock, so hopefully it isn’t worse than first feared.
Gerrard, however, is spot on to warn Scotland about his youth star. Here’s hoping therefore, for everyone’s sake, that Middleton can perform whilst staying injury free.
