In what appears to be the twilight of his Rangers career, Scott Arfield has got a very big decision on the horizon.
Does he strive to remain at Ibrox to be an important figure in the dressing toom as well as a player who can be trusted on the big occasion or does he move on in the pursuit of regular first-team football?
That is a dilemma that is likely to follow soon for the former Falkirk and Burnley man, according to Alan Hutton.
Hutton, who starred in the Champions League at Ibrox, earning a move to Spurs in the process, was in conversation with Football Insider.
The catalyst for the decision is the stage of Arfield’s career, with less than 12 months remaining on his four-year Ibrox deal penned as the first signing of Steven Gerrard’s reign.
Now at 32, could he be looking to the English Championship or maybe even to one of Canada’s MLS sides, on the prominence of his stint in international football with the Maple Leafs?
He will want more game time than the limited opportunities that are coming his way at present, with the Scottish champions aiming to retain the Premiership title.
Hutton stated that the choice is looming for Arfield:
“You’re at an age there where you want to play week in, week out. I know he’s had his issues with injury and stuff, for your own career, of course, you need to make that decision.
“The one thing I will say is, to me, when it comes down to big games, Steven Gerrard trusts him. He does play in these big moments, he gives you something different to most people.
“I still think he’s got a lot to give. It’s whether he’s willing to be that player that’s kind of in and out. Or does he want to play week in, week out? He’s going to have to make that decision.”
Service
Scott Arfield has served Rangers very well in his time at the club and has flourished.
From Old Firm goals, to Europa League strikes and a key part of the squad that delivered 55, he has been a very good signing.
Along with everyone else, he will be out to taste cup glory this season, with the domestic honours evading them so far in the Gerrard reign.
Would be be kept on in merit? Quite possibly, but at thi stage, a one-year contract is likely to be all that would be on offer, at best, and Arfield is leikely to get a better, longer deal elsewhere as a free agent at the end of his deal.
He landed at Ibrox in the same fashion back in 2018 and regardless of what happens, he will be able to look back on the four year period with pride and satisfaction for all that he has experienced.