Glenn Middleton has signed a season long loan deal with St. Johnstone, following on from his spell at the Perth club last season.
The 21-year old has been permitted by Steven Gerrard to leave Ibrox with his first team opportunities looking very sparse.
With another spell away from his parent club, his chances of securing a future at Rangers are diminishing but some hope remains.
Middleton was given a run out in a few of the Gers pre-season games but he never quite made a serious impact – now he returns to Callum Davidson’s side, fresh from their very credible 1-1 draw with Galatasaray in Istanbul on Thursday, with something to prove.
The Scotland U21 international became an important part of the Saints side last term, featuring heavily in their end of season run-in, including a starting role in their Scottish Cup Final victory over Hibs.
Now he needs to push on and use his increased status as part of Davidson’s side, to get as much out of his time on the pitch as possible.
The only way that he can get back into Gerrard’s plans at Rangers is to play consistently at a high level and to develop his game further – otherwise a parting of the ways is inevitable.
Race against time
On re-signing for the McDiarmid Park club, Middleton told their official website:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time here last season and to be back to help us go again is very exciting.”
“The lads in the squad all made me feel welcome when I joined last January and they took me right into the group to make me feel a part of it from day one.”
“I’m looking forward to getting started and working again with the gaffer, Callum Davidson, and his staff.”
“I’d like to thank everyone involved at both Rangers and St Johnstone for working hard behind the scenes to make this move happen.”
To his credit, Middleton has taken the sensible option of continuity and consistency in going back to St Johnstone where he enjoyed a very productive spell.
The former Norwich player has a contract with the Scottish champions until May 2023 but the clock is ticking on any realistic prospect of a future at Rangers – the time to make an impact is now.