Apparently the Rangers boss has grown increasingly impressed with Middleton throughout pre-season training , and is keen to test him out at the top level in Scottish football.
Gerrard has been keeping a close eye on all of the club’s top youngsters since coming in as manager, and he said: “They have done very well. The idea was to have a look at them in Spain and give them some opportunities.
“I don’t think anyone in the squad or anyone in the reserves will be disappointed as we have given them game time and minutes.
“Some have done really well, shone, accepted the challenge, faced it and taken it, and some have struggled a bit and it might take them a little bit longer to get another opportunity. But I think the one who has shone really, really well is Glenn Middleton.”
Gers fans will be hopeful Middleton can make his mark with Gerrard’s guidance, but which other young stars at the club might be in line for a chance later down the line?
Aidan Wilson
The centre-half might stand a good chance of seeing some first team action this year, especially if Gerrard fails to sign a more experienced central defender before the transfer window closes. He has made two league appearances for the club before embarking on a loan move to Dumbarton last season.
Liam Burt
Like Wilson, Burt also spent some time on loan at Dumbarton last season. The midfielder was tipped to break into the first team last season but it hasn’t quite happened for him yet. He was named by the Daily Record and the Herald as a potential top prospect in Scottish football – perhaps his time will come soon.
Zak Rudden
The 18-year-old impressed Gerrard during the 6-0 demolition of Bury a few weeks ago, a game in which he scored his first ever goal for the club. If no new striker comes in before next Tuesday, perhaps Gerrard may turn to the talented poacher.
Serge Atakayi
The Finland U19 star, who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is yet to get any minutes for the first team but youth advocate Gerrard could change all that for the forward. Atakayi was once on the books of Premier Legaue clubs Leicester City and Fulham, but chose the Scottish giants. He actually has a good amount of experience for his age compared to the other names, albeit in Finnish football.