We shouldn’t need Ryan Kent to see off Partick Thistle but his inclusion at half-time with his team-mates toiling tells us everything we ought to know about how important he is to Michael Beale’s plans and to us succeeding in the coming seasons.
He didn’t score, nor did he get an assist, however, what he did do was increase the pace of our attack, cause chaos in Thistle’s defence and create space for team-mates to run into.
Since Michael Beale arrived, Kent has been hugely important, moving from the touchline to a more integral role and central position – it’s safe to say that he has got his mojo back too.
So much so, that it would be a massive blow to lose him on a free transfer in the summer and not just in a financial sense.
Speaking to GiveMeSport though, transfer specialist Dean Jones reckons that all is not lost and that the return of Beale could be pivotal in Kent’s decision-making:
“I get the impression that Beale thinks he might be able to persuade him to stay.
“The truth is nothing has been decided on this one yet. But I think if Rangers do want to keep him, then they might be in a strong position to.”
The Gers gaffer has already revealed that nothing has been decided either way with Kent or Alfredo Morelos but, you would like to think that he has a good idea as to which way they are leaning.
For example, he has spoken about adding a new striker, there is though, nothing about bringing in another winger or similar type of player to Kent. Yes, Todd Cantwell has been signed, however, from his early appearances, it’s clear that he is more likely to play a deeper role rather than being tasked with being the main driving force in the attack.
It is entirely understandable for the 26-year old to want to wait until the end of the season, I can’t help but thinking though that any announcement on a new deal would be celebrated the same as a new signing and give the players, manager and fans a huge boost as we look to salvage a tumultuous campaign.