US star Polster plays way into Gerrard’s plans

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has called off plans to farm out Matt Polster, Courier Sport understands.

It was expected the USA international would join the Ibrox boss’s mini January clear-out after struggling to break into the Light Blues line-up.

But the 26-year-old is now set to resurrect his Gers career having played his way back into Gerrard’s plans with an impressive substitute display against Hearts on Sunday.

While there was disappointment for the Rangers manager as his team slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Tynecastle, Gerrard was encouraged by Polster’s performance – just his fifth appearance of the season – after he replaced Jon Flanagan at half-time.

And it is understood the American has now jumped ahead of the former Liverpool fullback and will get the nod to start against Ross County at Ibrox tonight.

Flanagan has acted as skipper James Tavernier’s understudy since following his old Anfield team-mate Gerrard to Glasgow 18 months ago.

But with Tavernier still out for around another week as he recovers from appendix surgery, the Ibrox boss wants to give Polster his chance against the Staggies having seen the former Chicago Fire man offer a better attacking threat down the right flank than Flanagan.

Livingston were credited with an interest in taking Polster on loan for the remainder of the season but, while Gerrard has allowed Eros Grezda, Andy King and Jamie Murphy to depart this month, it now appears Polster will be going nowhere.

Speaking at a press conference, assistant boss Gary McAllister said: “I would agree that Matt did very well when he came on the pitch.

“I thought he showed a bravery to get on the ball and in possession I thought he used the ball very well.

“So, yeah, he’s got a good chance.”

McAllister insists there is no need for panic following Sunday’s defeat.

“We need to be pretty perfect,” McAllister said. “We are well aware of that.

“We have a rough idea of the points tally that is required to be successful and there is very little wriggle room.”

Midfielder Ryan Jack looks set to miss the visits of County, Aberdeen and Hibernian at least after going off injured at halftime at Tynecastle.

McAllister said: “Ryan has had a little recurrence of a calf injury but we are hoping it’s not as bad as we first thought. They are talking 10 days to two weeks.”

Winger Jake Hastie has returned to Rangers midway through a season-long loan deal at Rotherham.

The 20-year-old scored in his first three appearances for the League One side but has only started one of the Millers’ last 12 games.