Stephen Kelly would have expected to get slightly more playing time than the two substitute appearances he has made for the first-team this season, especially after having Gary McAllister, James Tavernier and Steven Davis who said he had a “big future” in the game.
A change in formation and the arrival of James Sands – potentially as a defensive midfielder – looks to have further dented his chances and is now likely to head out on loan to continue his development, spending six-months training regularly with a host of internationals won’t have been time wasted, if he has been paying attention.
So far, two clubs have registered an interest in signing Kelly; Kilmarnock and Tranmere Rovers, Football Insider revealing the interest from down south where he could join up with Josh McPake.
“Tranmere Rovers have registered their interest in signing Rangers midfielder Stephen Kelly in this month’s transfer window, Football Insider understands.
“The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the best young talents to emerge at Ibrox and the Scottish giants feel a loan move is the next stage of his development.”
Football Scotland has reported that Kilmarnock – under new boss Derek McInnes – are looking to add both Kelly and Kai Kennedy to aid the chances of gaining promotion back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.
It’ll be hard for him but given that midfield is one of our strongest areas, Kelly has to be patient. In my lifetime I’ve seen players like Craig Moore, Neil Murray and Bob Malcom play as defensive midfielders and nobody will tell me that, at the same age, he isn’t more talented in this role – he just needs to be patient.
Charlie Adam went out on loan and came back a better player, making an impact under Paul le Guen and Walter Smith, there’s no reason why Kelly can’t do the same.