Rangers manager Steven Gerrard looks set to hand Umar Sadiq a lifeline over the coming weeks after he revealed the Nigerian is responding to his calls to improve massively.
Gerrard criticised the on-loan Roma man heavily last month, challenging him to ‘come to the party’ if he wants to start making appearances for the Gers.
That led many to question his future at the club, having made only a handful of substitute appearances since joining from the Serie A giants in the summer transfer window.
The Rangers boss though has singled him out for praise this week, speaking prior to Sunday’s win against Hamilton Accies.
As quoted by The Daily Mail, Gerrard said:
Umar has shown that improvement. He’s been working very hard. He’s got his head down. He’s improved a lot.
His application has improved, his quality has improved so he’s given me something to think about for the future.
I don’t know (if the warning has sparked the change), that’s something you’d have to ask Umar. But sometimes when a manager is honest with you, sometimes you have to go away and self-reflect. If you’re a proper footballer you go analyse and come back stronger.
Gerrard is being modest when discussing the impact his comments had on the player, but it’s clear a bit of superb man management is working wonders for the forward.
It couldn’t be coming at a better time either, with both Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty unavailable for next week’s Scottish League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden.
Will he get his opportunity to shine in that one?
Would you start Umar Sadiq against Aberdeen? Let us know in the comments below…