Glenn Middleton hasn’t made a first-team appearance for Rangers since the 2018/19 season, but he has a chance to prove his ability to Steven Gerrard in important upcoming qualifiers for Scotland U21s.
The 20-year-old winger was recently brought into first-team bubble at Ibrox but his only club appearances this season have come at B team level.
Despite nine substitutes being permitted in the Premiership, he’s yet to make a matchday squad.
However, following Jordan Jones’ suspension, Gerrard is now missing a winger, and as a result, Middleton’s chances of playing a part in the campaign may have improved.
If the door is slightly ajar, he has an opportunity to push it open over the coming week whilst away on international duty.
Middleton produced a hat-trick of assists last time out for Scotland U21s against San Marino in October.
The calibre of the opposition steps up a notch this time around, though, with Scot Gemmill’s side taking on Croatia and Greece in UEFA U21 European qualifiers.
Scotland are just one point behind Group D leaders, the Czech Republic, although they retain a game in hand and a lot rides on their clash against third-placed Croatia at Tynecastle on Thursday afternoon.
Middleton is highly likely to feature, and Rangers staff will no doubt be watching on.
He has produced on the big stage before, netting away at Spartak Moscow in the Europa League and he’ll be hoping to step up to the plate again.
There are no guarantees right now, given the strength of the Gers squad, but if the winger can come up trumps this week and help Scotland qualify for the U21 Euros, it might convince Gerrard to bring him back in from the cold.
