Confirmed: Docherty returns to Rangers after Hibernian loan spell
Greg Docherty has returned to Rangers following his loan spell with Hibernian.
The Scottish Premiership outfit confirmed the exit of four loan players via an official statement on Monday, with the 23-year-old amongst those named.
The midfielder joined Hibs on loan in January, but was limited to just eight appearances for Jack Ross’ men before the season was curtailed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Despite his limited time with the club, however, he registered three goals and five assists in all competitions.
An excerpt from Hibs’ statement reads: “Greg Docherty, Jason Naismith, Marc McNulty and Stephane Omeonga will report back to Rangers, Peterborough United, Reading and Genoa respectively having each made an important contribution to the club, on and off the pitch, and we thank them for that.
“All four have added something different to the group and were very popular members of the dressing room in their own way.
“Greg is a model professional, with maturity beyond his years.”
Should Docherty be given a chance to prove himself at Ibrox?
The whole purpose of a loan deal is to give a player the opportunity to improve his game by getting minutes under his belt, and to prove to his parent club that he has something to offer them.
In both of those senses, you would have to argue that Docherty has succeeded.
Eight goal involvements in eight matches is a very impressive record, and his average of 90.89 successful actions per 90 minute actually exceeds Scott Arfield‘s average for the season by 15.74 per game, as per Wyscout.
The 23-year-old also recorded an average of eight dribbles per game during his time with Hibs, a vast improvement on Arfield’s average of 1.8, and his ability to carry the ball could prove to be useful asset to Steven Gerrard.
It’s clear that he offers something different in the centre of the park, and with a little bit of faith and patience, he could go on to become a really handy option at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, BBC journo: Gers could announce permanent Hagi deal today.