‘Frustrating year’ – Steven Gerrard sends big warning to Gers 23y/o now playing for his future
Steven Gerrard spoke to the press ahead of Rangers’ clash with St. Johnstone and he commented on the future of George Edmundson.
A journalist posed a question to the Gers boss about the fact that he has six centre-backs on the books at Ibrox.
Edmundson is one of them, and he departed on loan on deadline day to be replaced by incoming signing Jack Simpson.
And Gerrard dropped a significant hint about the future of 23-year-old Edmundson, saying, “George (Edmundson) has gone out to play he’s had a frustrating year.
“We obviously had the Covid situation, he’s on the back of a hernia injury, he had a dip of form and confidence earlier in the season and has found it hard to shift the three boys who have been fit and available.
“We won’t have six centre-halves next season but in terms of which four we’ll have we will just have to wait and see.”
Leon Balogun’s future is in doubt as his contract expires in the summer, while Gerrard ruled out Nikola Katic for the rest of the season due to injury.
Chance to prove himself
Edmundson has shown he has what it takes to play for Rangers in the past, so his fortunes over the last few months are rather puzzling.
He played and scored in the Europa League round of 16 against Bayer Leverkusen, yet has barely got a look in since with just one appearance this campaign.
Given the form of Balogun, Conor Goldson and Filip Helander that is a little understandable, while Gerrard has quite rightly punished the 23-year-old for his Covid-19 protocol violation.
Nevertheless, Edmundson now has the opportunity to put a rotten few months behind him.
He has made a good move to Derby where he will play in a tough division under a manager Stevie G respects greatly – Wayne Rooney.
The pair get on well and it is likely that the Derby boss will keep Gerrard updated on how Edmundson performs on and off the pitch.
The defender should be aware of that fact, and look to impress his new manager in any way that he can.
Should he do so he may earn a lifeline at Ibrox and a second chance to impress Gerrard, potentially winning his place back in the team as a result.
It will be a difficult challenge considering how good we are defensively – conceding just seven goals in 26 league games this term – but one Edmundson has to stand up and face if he is to have a future at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox View: Ofoborh signing spells the end of 28y/o’s Rangers career.