Kent ‘raring to go’ against County after tough spell on the sidelines
Rangers winger Ryan Kent says he is revved up and ready to make a positive impact for the Scottish champions after his return from injury.
The 24-year-old ended what he admits was a difficult twomonth spell on the sidelines with his influential appearance as a substitute in Rangers’ 1-1 Europa League draw against Brondby in Denmark on Thursday.
Kent is now firmly in contention to return to Steven Gerrard’s starting line-up for tomorrow’s Premiership fixture against Ross County at Ibrox, although he believes it won’t be until after the international break that he will be fully back to his best.
“As soon as I am back in, I am ready to start a game,” he said. “It’s quite tough watching from the sides, especially for two months or whatever.
“I am raring to go. I let the boys take care of things. We are top of the league, we are in a great position and we have everything to fight for in the Europa League. So when you look at it on paper, we have been doing really well.
“Possibly the international break will give me some extended time to maybe work on a few more things like getwell. ting up to match speed. It will be an important period for me.”
Kent suffered a serious hamstring injury during Rangers’ game against Lyon in September, the player having struggled to find his best form since the start of the season.
“It’s been a tough period,” he told Rangerstv. “At the start of the season I was carrying a few niggles so it’s nice to get them sort of ironed out and I’m really glad to be back on the pitch.
“I’ve been doing a lot of extensive work, working really hard in the gym and out on the training field to prepare me to get back and straight into it again.”
Kent was pleased with his contribution against Brondby as he set up Ianis Hagi for Rangers’ equaliser.
“No matter your circumstance, when you’re called off the bench you are looking to make an impact,” he said.
“That’s why the gaffer is relying on you, to bring you on the pitch. I felt we were unfortunate not to come away with a win because I felt we played really well in the second half.”
Meanwhile, Rangers assistant manager Gary Mcallister wants the Premiership leaders to give their goal difference a boost when they face bottom of the table County.
Mcallister admits the champions have taken note of Malky Mackay’s team’s stunning 5-0 win at Dundee in their last
fixture but he sees an opportunity to try and sign off before the international break in emphatic style.
“We take that (County’s win over Dundee) on board,” he said. “That was a surprising result. It’s their only win of the season. I know Malky really
They’ll come to Ibrox and try to frustrate and be organised. But we have got to go all guns blazing.
“What we have got to guard against is losing this first goal. It seems to be a wee bit of a habit at the moment. If we can get our noses in front early,
then we have got to go and try and score some goals.”
Mcallisterhaswelcomedthe return to action of Kent after his lay-off. “Getting on the pitch was a big boost for him, but certainly for us,” Mcallister told Rangerstv. “I thought he looked really sharp."