Daniel Feliciano

Tue 8 March 2022 9:10, UK

Aaron Ramsey was ‘never at that level’ of ex-Rangers players like Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup, according to Wales legend John Hartson.

Ramsey joined the Ibrox club on loan until the end of the season in January from Juventus, looking to resurrect his career after struggling in Italy.

His move was compared to when the Bears signed Gascoigne back in 1995 because of the reputation he had coming in, but Hartson told the Scottish Sun that he was not in that elite group of players.

“They had big hopes that he’d be their best signing since Laudrup and Gascoigne,” he said.

“Jeez, Laudrup and Gascoigne? They are superstars, the best players to ever come to Rangers. But that’s what some people were saying, that it was like Laudrup and Gascoigne. What? Do me a favour.

“Laudrup and Gascoigne were a different level. Aaron has been a world-class player but he’s not in that elite. Not in that elite at all.

“Not because of his age or injuries. He was never at that level. We’re talking Brian Laudrup and we’re talking Gascoigne.”

Reality check

Ramsey was brought in by Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the January window to boost a side that was lacking goals from midfield and depth.

But the Welsh star has struggled to make any sort of impact, struggling with injuries and being restricted to just three substitute appearances and one start in the cup.

He’s been branded a ‘waste of money’ and Rangers have been told that they could have spent the money elsewhere in their squad instead of on him.

Ramsey is running out of time to make any type of impact on Scotland, and for that reason Hartson is spot on about his claims that he’s never been at that level.

The hype around the deal was definitely exaggerated, because Scotland have been lacking a superstar for their domestic game and he is that, but he’s not who he once was on the pitch and Rangers are now finding that out.

In other Rangers news, Rangers squad value drops by 37%, could affect summer transfer plans – The Athletic