Michael Beale said that Rangers hadn’t really replaced Ryan Kent when asked a couple of weeks ago about any potential late transfer deals, after Sunday’s derby, he probably wishes that he had.
The now Fenerbahce winger had his shortfalls in front of goal but one thing that he consistently did against Celtic was cause them problems.
A lack of pace, other than Rabbi Matondo, was evident until Abdallah Sima came off the bench and Michael Beale has to address this problem if he is to bring success to Rangers.
In pre-season, with Fashion Sakala, and in competitive games, Rangers have looked infinitely more dangerous when there has been pace in the attack.
Which begs the question, why didn’t Michael Beale sign anyone to replace Ryan Kent or Fashion Sakala for Rangers?
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Michael Beale has to find next Ryan Kent for Rangers
Alongside a defensive midfielder, it has to be a key priority in January and it is a signing that – if he is still here – he has to get right.
Questions can be asked of the defence but we aren’t going to add any players there until there are departures.
It is at the sharp end of the pitch that we are so chronically lacking.
Losing Kent was one thing, but to then sell Sakala and try to get Wright off the books too without securing anyone is bizarre, especially when you consider that Matondo had been told he was free to find a new club as well.
If Cyriel Dessers is to be the number nine, Michael Beale has to go with more pace for Rangers and stick both Matondo and Sima up alongside him.
Going with Danilo instead would be even more attacking and that would mean that Todd Cantwell could play higher up where he did more damage at the end of last season, especially if the manager considers a tactical shift.
Regardless of who plays there between now and the January transfer window, work should already be underway to find the player who should have been signed this summer.
Michael Beale doesn’t just need to replace Ryan Kent for Rangers, he needs to find someone better.