After Jamie Murphy’s nasty injury at Rugby Park today, should Glenn Middleton be given his shot over Daniel Candeias?
Murphy picked up a bad knock on the synthetic surface at Kilmarnock in today’s 3-1 win over Steve Clarke’s side. This ended with Candeias coming onto the pitch for the former Motherwell man.
There’s certainly nothing wrong with Portuguese Candeias. He has a terrific engine on him and always gives his all for the club. He’s been a big-game player in the past and never shirks a challenge either during his time at Ibrox.
However, this is surly the kind of opportunity the Rangers support would appreciate Middleton stepping up to take.
Whilst Candeias offers terrific pace, his end product is often lacking. Whilst being one of the most appreciated players for the effort he puts in on a game-by-game basis, Middleton deserves his time to shine. The 18-year-old was on the books at Norwich, and has really grown a reputation for being a direct winger with an eye for goal.
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Candeias is a certainty to take the place of Murphy regardless. He’ll do what he does and provide terrific width and pace. However, Gerrard can expect plenty crosses to not reach their man if he selects the Pedro Caixinha signing.
Middleton needs opportunities
Middleton needs opportunities if he’s to grow at Rangers. An injury such as the one to Murphy should be providing him with that platform.
On the other hand, Gerrard may want more familiar faces in his starting line-up at this crucial stage. Bringing in Middleton would open him up to scrutiny should the youngster under-perform early doors.
The beauty of Middleton is the fact that he can play on both sides. Primarily a left-winger, the youngster is adept on the other side, therefore leaving him a viable option instead of Candeias.
At the very least, he gives Gerrard something else to think about. In a squad that’s starting to rev with quality, Middleton only adds to that.
Rangers fans hadn’t been too impressed with the start the Murphy had to the campaign. Some supporters wanted the winger dropped regardless of his injury.
Murphy’s injury is an unfortunate one in the mean-time. However, the manager can be confident in the knowledge that there are a couple of talented options available.