‘He could do it’ – Jackie McNamara backs Rangers 22y/o to catch Gerrard’s eye
Jackie McNamara has suggested that Rangers defender George Edmundson could become a key part of Steven Gerrard’s squad in the second half of this season.
The 22-year-old has started both of the Gers’ past two matches, and score the equaliser as they came from behind to beat Hibernian in midweek.
And with Filip Helander set to be sidelined for another four weeks, as per the Herald, McNamara believes that this is Edmundson’s time to shine.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “He’s not had a lot of football at all, has he?
“He’s had to wait for the opportunities, he had a couple at the start and then his one the other night [against Hibs].
“I think for him it’s more trying to get back in and trying to force a way into the team.
“I think that’s the telling point, the size of the squad they’ve got, with the European games coming up, there’s a lot of games to be played. He could do it.”
Can Edmundson seize his opportunity?
There’s absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t be able to.
Nikola Katic seems very much to be on the periphery of his manager’s plans these days, and with Helander not due back for a month or so, Edmundson should seize this opportunity with both hands.
To be fair to the 22-year-old, he has impressed more often than not when given the nod by his boss.
Against Hibs, for instance, he had a 93% pass completion rate, won 12 out of his 16 aerial duels, and bagged a goal to boot, as per Wyscout.
He looks calm and efficient in possession, as well as commanding and strong defensively – in short, he’s everything you want in a defender.
Here’s hoping he can show Gerrard what he’s made of.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton shoots down Gers fan with three-word Morelos verdict.