Exclusive: Alex McLeish claims ‘Cruel’ label on Rangers ace after Ross County win
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 claimed it would be “cruel” to label Rangers forward Cedric Itten as a super-sub at Ibrox this season.
Steven Gerrard claimed Itten was pushing for a start against Ross County, but once again had to settle for a place on the bench in the 5-0 win.
The Swiss international has scored all four of his Scottish Premiership goals off the bench, but McLeish believes it is too early to start placing labels on his head.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, McLeish said, “It’s only his first season.
“To label him a super-sub right at this moment in time, I think would be abit cruel. It’s about finding fitness, finding the knack of getting into the right positions again, he’s a big unit.”
McLeish is spot on.
Despite Itten coming on and impressing, he has yet to start a game since the start of November in the 1-0 win over Kilmarnock.
His longest substitute appearance came last week against Motherwell, and that was only 35 minutes, so it is hard for any player to prove themselves in that little amount of time.
In that time, he has still scored twice and delivered an assist – in comparison, Alfredo Morelos has only scored three with one assist.
Itten has proved to be smart business, and sooner rather than later, he’ll get more opportunities to prove himself even further.
In other Rangers news, McLeish claims Bears priority will have been Kemar Roofe return