There have been times when Rangers have missed Steven Davis and his calming presence in midfield, however, in Tom Lawrence, Philippe Clement has someone who can replicate his role.
The Gers boss strengthened his midfield in January with the addition of Mohamed Diomande but the Ivorian will be expected to do his best work in the final third.
With Rangers always likely to dominate possession, having a player like Tom Lawrence alongside John Lundstram could bring the perfect balance in the engine room.
Rangers have Davis replacement in Tom Lawrence
Where the Wales international is similar to the recently retired hall of fame legend, is how they see the game.
Why take three or four touches when you have the ability to play the pass first time?
And, as we saw against Aberdeen, Lawrence isn’t afraid to pull the trigger anywhere from 35-yards out.
The 30-year old had an effort cleared off the line and Todd Cantwell took the headlines reacting quickest to Lawrence’s powerful long-range effort.
Philippe Clement is operating a less is more policy with Tom Lawrence, the Rangers manager explaining before the Ayr United clash why he wasn’t in the squad:
“Tom Lawrence is not in the squad but that is more of a precaution like we did with Ryan Jack at the weekend so they are coming back and have played a lot of minutes so it is to give enough recovery that we can build the next few weeks.”
Like Jack, it’s almost like the 23-times capped international is being given a different fixture list to work to so that he can spend more time working on his personal fitness rather than doing game preparation.
It is a plan that seems to be working so far with the matches about to come thick and fast over the coming months.
Having someone alongside Lundstram who can turn defences, beat a player, create chances and score goals could be the difference in the title race this season.
Players like Steven Davis don’t grow on trees but, in Lawrence, we may have the next best thing.
