Stephen Kelly pictured in Rangers training ahead of Europa League showdown
Rangers midfielder Stephen Kelly was pictured training with the first team ahead of their Europa League tie with Brondby.
The 21-year-old has not been included in any of Steven Gerrard’s Scottish Premiership matchday squads this term, predominantly featuring for the reserves. He has only featured for the senior team in the League Cup and Europa League qualifying so far this campaign.
However, he may be in line for a cameo as Gers travel to Denmark on Thursday evening as he was snapped training with the first team in preparation for their crunch clash with Brondby.
A bright talent
Despite his significant lack of game time, Kelly is highly rated around the club and is held in high regard.
The youngster consistently impressed while out on loan at Ayr United and Ross County across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons and, despite firm interest from multiple clubs in the summer, Rangers were keen to keep ahold of his services.
That can only mean that the Scottish champions are looking to develop his competencies at the club. Although 90 minutes in the Challenge Cup against Alloa Athletic for the reserve side is good match time, the 21-year-old needs to be seeing more action alongside his senior colleagues.
This campaign, the midfielder has been afforded 12 minutes in the League Cup and just one minute in Europa League qualifying – frustration will eventually set in.
Evidently, for a match of this significance in Rangers’ season, Kelly will not be given a start. However, to reiterate the club’s faith in what is a very promising central midfielder, a cameo would do the world of good.
In other Rangers news, Gerrard has heaped praise on Gers striker Fashion Sakala.