Rangers have a few youngsters on the fringe of the first-team returning to Ibrox having enjoyed successful loan spells last season, one of those being Glenn Middleton, who already has experience of playing well under Steven Gerrard.
Things haven’t gone quite to plan since his breakthrough season, however, the 21-year old bounced back in spectacular fashion with key goals in St Johnstone’s cup success and league run to the top six, guaranteeing European football in the process, it’s no surprise Callum Davidson wants him back for another season.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Ger Alan Hutton feels that the Scotland Under-21 captain could force his way back into the manager’s plans:
“I think he offers something different with his pace. It’s all about how he comes back.
“First impressions are huge. If he comes back and he’s fit, he’s hungry, doing all the pre-season running and has kept himself fit over the summer, these are the things that catch the eye.
“As a manager, you’re sitting there saying: ‘Wow, look at Glenn Middleton. He’s come back in shape, he’s ready to go.’ That puts you ahead of some people. That’s sometimes what you need.
“Steven Gerrard has a lot of options in that attacking third. He’ll probably still be looking that are more options and are attacking thoughts, and he probably still be looking at additions at the moment.
“It’s all down to Glenn Middleton to change his mind and say: ‘I’m here, I’m raring to go and willing to fight.’”
The biggest problem is that he faces stiff competition from the other players who are already established in the first-team squad, the quality is significantly better than a few seasons ago, but, as Hutton says, he does have attributes that could make him a valuable member of the squad.
Interestingly, his only appearance for Rangers this season came as a left-back and with speculation surrounding the future of Borna Barisic, a player who has pace to burn, raw athleticism and a great delivery from both open play and set-piece could yet be an option – that Middleton himself is dying to make an impact shows he hasn’t given up hope just yet.