A trio of Scottish Premiership loanees have returned to Rangers and will try to catch Steven Gerrard’s eye ahead of the new season.
Robby McCrorie, Stephen Kelly and Glenn Middleton spent last season out on loan at Livingston, Ross County and St Johnstone with all three impressing in different ways.
As pre-season training got underway this week, the trio were spotted being put through their paces as the Ibrox backroom staff work out what’s best for their development.
Goalkeeper McCrorie, 23, impressed at the Lions last season in what is the most senior loan spell of his career, making 18 first team appearances.
Robby – brother of fellow Rangers Academy graduate Ross – faces stiff competition at Ibrox however with Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin ahead of him in the pecking order.
Called up to the Scotland squad last season due to his form at the Tony Macaroni, there have been no transfer murmurs surrounding Robbie thus far with his future uncertain as he enters the final year of his Ibrox deal.
Stephen Kelly, 21, is another who impressed during a Premiership loan spell and there have always been high hopes for the young midfielder’s future.
Another who is contracted until 2023, Kelly was an influential member of the Ross County squad which managed to retain its Scottish Premiership status last season.
Kelly made 29 appearances, laid on three assists and took a sizeable step in his development at the Staggies.
With Rangers short in midfield, Kelly will be hoping to impress Steven Gerrard and earn a place in the Ibrox squad.
Last but by no means least is talented winger Glenn Middleton, who is certainly the most established of this Rangers Premiership loan trio.
Middleton, 21, played 25 times for Rangers in season 18/19 and after a few years finding his feet again shone for St Johnstone in the second half of last season.
The winger played a big role in the Perthshire club’s cup double and manager Calum Davidson has made no bones about his desire to see Glenn back at McDiarmid Park.
However, Davidson was clear earlier in the month that Rangers wanted to cast their gaze over the player ahead of next season [Courier].
Despite this, Middleton has been linked with a return to St Johnstone by the Scottish Sun whilst the Daily Record believes the pacey winger has options
Whatever the case, with this trio of Premiership loanees currently at Rangers training, the club has time to make a decision on their short-term futures ahead of next season.
Here are five Rangers youngsters who could look to leave an impression on pre-season as the Gers look ahead to the next campaign.
