Rangers should never be leaving a transfer window weaker than when they went into it, but this is exactly what has happened to Philippe Clement.
The need to give senior academy players is the right decision, however, the exits of players like Adam Devine, Alex Lowry, Archie Stevens and Robbie Fraser does leave the squad short of depth and the manager of rotational options.
What Rangers have done is look at what is best for the players with Zak Lovelace being announced as joining Milwall in a move that will disappoint fans.
Rangers confirm Zak Lovelace’s return to Millwall
The 19-year old was never really able to get going at Ibrox despite the excitement of his signing and the flashes of attacking brilliance that he showed for the B team.
“We can today confirm Zak Lovelace has left the club to join Millwall on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance. Everyone at Rangers wishes Zak all the best for his future career.”
In total, he made just eight appearances for the first team despite looking more naturally talented than the hard-working Ross McCausland, possessing more pace and individual skill too.
Talent only goes so far though and Lovelace has spent most of his three years in the treatment room at Auchenhowie.
Did Lovelace get a fair chance at Rangers?
Reports that the winger is homesick add up given that Clement has always looked to include him when he has been fit enough to impress in training.
An assist on his last appearance against Dundee Utd would have earned him more game time against Ross County, despite knocking back a contract extension already, only for injury to rule him out.
Lovelace hasn’t left because the current manager didn’t want to use him or think that he couldn’t become a valuable member of the squad.
There was never any doubts about his talent, but all eyes will now be on whether or not the explosive forward can make the sort of impact for his boyhood club that many hoped he would make at Ibrox.
