Middleton is determined to repay his boss’s faith

NOT every fresh face introduced by Steven Gerrard has been a new signing. For youngster Glenn Middleton, the arrival of the former England captain has opened the door to first-team involvement. The 18-year-old winger (below) gave Rangers a different dimension when introduced for the final 11 minutes of Thursday night’s 2-0 Europa League win over FK Shkupi. Energetic and direct, Middleton’s cameo outing was an eyecatching highlight of Gerrard’s first competitive game in charge of Rangers. Six days earlier, he had recorded two assists when stepping off the bench in a 6-0 friendly rout against Bury. Clearly, the youngster is anxious to seize every chance his manager offers to make an impression. Repaying Gerrard’s faith will be a key motivator in the season ahead. ‘It’s just taking it day by day, that’s the message to everyone and to me personally — just do what I can every day to show what I’m capable of,’ said Middleton. ‘Not many people are sure what to expect when a new manager comes in, so it’s trying to take your chance when it is given to you. ‘Hopefully, I can keep showing what I’m capable of doing and get more opportunities.’ Capped at Under-21 level by Scotland, Middleton has already had to overcome a setback in his career. He trained with the Norwich first-team squad aged just 16 and was regarded as one of their brightest prospects. But the arrival of German coach Daniel Farke at Carrow Road, and new sporting director Stuart Webber, changed the outlook for Middleton’s future. Tears followed when he was told in January that he was no longer the type of player they wanted. Moving to Rangers, the club he grew up supporting, was the ideal way to bounce back and the entire experience seems to have deepened his desire to succeed. Indeed, his willingness to commit defenders has already captured the affection of the Ibrox fans. ‘I don’t really fear much. If we are losing or even if I’m not playing my best, I’ll still go at my opponment every time,’ he insisted. ‘I’m confident I can always make that one chance for the team to hopefully get a goal.’ Setting up goals for Scott Arfield and fellow youngster Zak Rudden against Bury propelled Middleton into the minds of a 41,000 crowd that night. Fans lauded his input on social media, yet he has no interest in basking in acclaim. He added: ‘My family keep me grounded, so I’m not into checking what’s been said.’ His follow-up against Shkupi continued the process. Replacing Josh Windass, Middleton helped build up the pressure that led to James Tavernier converting a 90thminute penalty. A 2-0 lead provides Rangers with a degree of comfort ahead of Tuesday’s second leg in Skopje. Middleton, though, echoed Gerrard by insisting their focus can’t waver if they are to secure progression. ‘The job is far from done. We’ll work on the training pitch and try to fix the things that weren’t as perfect as they should have been, he said.