Practice doesn’t make perfect
Gary Mcallister believes working with familiar faces has helped Ryan Kent blossom at Rangers.
The Ibrox assistant would love to see the young winger stay at the club beyond the end of the season but admits financial considerations may rule that out. Kent had four loan spells away from Liverpool, including a time with Freiburg in Germany, before he came to Scotland at the start of this season.
Mcallister first saw the 22-year-old when Brendan Rodgers appointed him to the Anfield coaching team in 2015. He has seen a dramatic change in the player since.
“He was electric, and I can see how some of the loan moves have helped, because he was young and raw,” he said.
“But you could see the massive potential. “When you look at his move to Germany, he’s quiet by nature.
“Not speaking the language must have been a massive hindrance, so I understand why that didn’t work.
“I can see the benefits of him having people he knew from Liverpool here at Rangers. Michael Beale, Steven Gerrard, Tommy Culshaw, Jordan Milson and me. “He’s gone from someone with the confidence of quite a shy young man, to someone who has become a man. “Consistency is something you can always question in a wide forward, but he’s definitely getting better.
“It’s all about getting on the scoresheet and helping to create goals. He’s getting better at that. He’s a delight to work with and a fantastic trainer.”
Kent gave another fine performance against Aberdeen in midweek and his dynamic play led to the opening goal of the 4-2 victory.
Mcallister is noncommittal when comes to signing Kent permanently.
He went on: “We’ve seen the benefits of Ryan this season and it would be nice, but the fact is that he is a Liverpool player. “We can keep asking the question, but it’s a decision for them. The transfer market south of the border is berserk.
“You’re even looking at crazy numbers for players going into the Championship, never mind the top flight.”