Exclusive: Alex McLeish backs Rangers ‘match-winner’ to return for Old Firm clash v Celtic
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has backed Rangers winger Ryan Kent to return to the starting XI for the Old Firm clash against Celtic on Saturday.
The winger was dropped for the 2-0 win over St. Mirren on Wednesday afternoon and only featured for the final minutes off the bench.
McLeish believes that Steven Gerrard considers the winger as a “match-winner” and that both he and the player will have loved the opportunity to earn some rest.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, McLeish said, “I don’t doubt that.
“I do feel that Stevie will be seeing him as potential match-winner material in any of the huge games.
“I’m quite sure with the number of games being played in the past while, then a lot of these players need to save a bit of energy and Kent, I’m sure, will be loving that fact that he’s got some rest and he can come back buzzing for the Old Firm game.”
Kent has been struggling recently, and this rest came at the perfect time.
The 24-year-old has only found the back of the net once in his past 20 games in all competitions for the Bears – form that will concern Gerrard.
McLeish is right though, Kent has proved before that he can be a real match-winner for Rangers, and has done it against Celtic last season – we all remember that goal at Parkhead.
No one has averaged more key passes per game than Kent according to WhoScored, and only Alfredo Morelos has more shots on goal, two stats which proves his importance.
Kent will be desperate to feature on Saturday, and finally, put an end to his goal drought in the best possible way against Celtic.
In other Rangers news, Alex McLeish delighted by ‘relentless’ Bears display v St. Mirren