As Tom Lawrence continues his return to the Rangers first-team, there will be no-one more frustrated about a lack of Ibrox appearances than the Welshman.
Perhaps the club’s marquee signing of the 2022 summer window, the Gers held off Premier League competition to sign the then Derby County captain at the end of his contrat.
After a career largely unblemished by injury, the Rangers curse well and truly struck down the one-time Manchester United talent as he hoped to finally grab his chance at Ibrox.
It’s led to 18 months of raw frustration with Ibrox fans only ever getting glimpses of a player who boasts as much talent as anyone in Scottish football.
Now, as Lawrence’s energetic and determined display against Ross County proved, the creative 30-year-old midfielder looks desperate to make up lost time.
Tom Lawrence return could be crucial for Rangers
Rangers’ form of the last 18 months with Tom Lawrence has been telling, but the impact of the absence of the Welshman has been multiplied by a genuine injury crisis.
A high-earner who was signed to make an immediate impact, the knee problem ended Lawrence’s campaign last season by September.
In his comeback this campaign, the Welshman suffered yet another setback and he is now being carefully worked back to full fitness by Philippe Clement’s fitness team.
As the next few weeks and months progress, we expect Tom Lawrence to emerge as a key player for Rangers and a potentially crucial one in the title run in.
One-time Manchester United talent to take Ibrox chance
Starting in a deeper midfield role against Ross County, Tom Lawrence could be the key to unlocking stubborn defences who play with 10 men behind the ball.
Having the mobile and direct Welsh international attacking the box from deep can cause chaos for the opposition, whilst he is capable of dribbling past players, shooting from range, and of course, scoring goals.
The versatile Lawrence can also play across the offensive third, popping up on either flank or behind the striker in a number 10 role.
Given Rangers fans haven’t seen enough of Tom Lawrence in the last 18 months, it’s easy to forget just how highly-rated a player we have on our books.
If we can get the midfielder back to the robust, fit player we signed, then this could be the season Lawrence finally begins to recognise the potential which saw him breakthrough at Old Trafford back in 2014.
