Middleton could still have a role at Gers, says Gerrard
STEVEN Gerrard has hinted Glenn Middleton may yet have a long-term future with Rangers after calling the winger in from the cold at Falkirk.
The 20-year-old was a surprise package back in Gerrard’s first season in charge at Ibrox but has disappeared from the first team picture over the last year.
The Scotland Under-21 ace made an immediate impression on his new boss when Gerrard arrived in the summer of 2018.
He went on to make 28 appearances in total and even netted with an impressive strike in the Europa League away to Spartak Moscow as he finished the 2018/19 campaign with five goals.
But things did not go anywhere near as well for him last term as he failed to impress during two frustrating loan spells with Hibernian and Bradford.
Injuries have hampered the former Norwich academy recruit’s progress while his path to the Gers first team has been blocked by Ryan Kent’s emergence as one of Gerrard’s main men.
But having been recalled to make his first Rangers appearance since April last year, Gerrard insists Middleton can still play a part as his side go in hunt of the Premiership title.
His rare run out saw him handed 35 minutes at left-back as he replaced Borna Barisic during the 4-0 Betfred Cup romp over the Bairns and Gerrard believes Middleton could prove a handy option in defence.
He said: “Glenn has been on loan and had injuries but he has been back within the group for four or five weeks now.
“He has been working hard and playing for an opportunity.
“We think he can do left-back, left-wingback or left-wing and it was a strong cameo from him.”
Jon Mclaughlin, meanwhile, has pleaded with Gerrard to give him the game time that might help make his Euro 2020 dream a reality.
The Scotland goalkeeper started the campaign ahead of Ibrox number one Allan Mcgregor but has found himself relegated to the bench more frequently in recent weeks.
He was back in the Light Bl ues’ s t a r t i ng l i ne-up t he thrashing of Falkirk and now he is hoping he will see enough action to make sure he stays in Steve Clarke’s thoughts for next summer’s finals.
Mclaughlin said: “Of course I want to be playing as regularly as possible. Any opportunity you get, you want to take it.
“You want to make sure you’re performing for your club and being a vital part of what we’re doing here. Hopefully over the course that continues to help you with the national team.
“It would be massive to be a part of it. For all the lads who were away (for the play-off win in Serbia), that was the biggest thing — how much it meant not just to fans but also all of the players over the past 20 years who have been trying to qualify for tournaments.
“Even better that two out of the three games are going to be on home soil and the game against England is at Wembley. It’s got everything there for us and it was a very proud moment to be involved.”
“With cup games like this, you might expect more chance of playing, but when everything is going so well and the performances have been so fantastic you have to bide your time.
“If you get that opportunity you have to be ready.”