Many Rangers fans are split over a potential Ibrox return for Alan Hutton with the club suffering a crisis at right-back.
James Tavernier picked up a knock in Thursday’s Europa League clash against Antwerp and he could be ruled out for an extended period.
Usual right back stand in Nathan Patterson is one of the ‘COVID 5’ and is isolating though it is doubtful he would be picked even if he wasn’t in isolation.
In the days following Tavs’ injury, Hutton has been touted as a potential option for Rangers by fans on social media after Steven Gerrard claimed he may need to sign a right back.
The former Rangers man retired two years ago and was a pundit on BT Sport for Thursday’s 4-3 win over Antwerp.
We do need cover at right-back though it seems Leon Balogun may be the player chosen to replace Tavernier in the short term.
A potential return for Hutton probably isn’t on the cards but there has still been a mixed reaction among the Gers fan base.
Some fans have suggested that Hutton should be invited to train with the first-team squad so Gerrard can assess the defender.
Others have immediately dismissed the idea and claimed there is a slim chance the 36-year-old is close to match fitness.
Here is what some Rangers fans make of a potential return for Hutton.
Enough of the Alan Hutton stuff the guy has been retired and one 45 min game and he would pull a hammy and we will be back to square one
— Rab McClymont (@mcc_rab) February 20, 2021
WTF hahaha He has been retired for two seasons. No way is he fit enough for us right now.
— Ricky Forbes (@Ricky9Forbes) February 20, 2021
Im going to say a bush opinion. Let him have a few days training then allow Gerrard to make that call. https://t.co/6tsZAZtIEc
— Rangers Zone (@Rangers_Zone) February 20, 2021
There is no way people are serious about bringing in a player who retired two years ago? Surely not??
— Faceless 👤 (@FacelessRanger) February 20, 2021
Been a year since he's retired, pretty sure he's still keeping himself fit, I say bring him in let him train but use Balogun at right back the next game or two
— Smell The Glove (@mur7ymcfly) February 20, 2021
Would smack of desperation so naw. Balogun has played RB in the Bundesliga
— 🇬🇧 The Oracle. 🇨🇿 (@GrampaOracle) February 20, 2021
He hasn’t played competitive football in 2 years. No.
— Going to the Euros Ryan Jack 🏴 (@RampantRyanJack) February 20, 2021
Would take him until the end of the season just to get fit ffs
— 55🇬🇧🏴 (@Tarrier_Tears) February 20, 2021
We think it is incredibly unlikely that Hutton will be invited to rejoin his former side even with the current defensive crisis.
Though how good would it be to see Hutton among the squad lifting 55 in a few months?
In other Rangers news, Antwerp boss makes bizarre dig at Light Blues after losing 4-3.