Rangers transfer news: Scott Arfield tipped for exit as links to Scottish club draw ‘no disrespect’ verdict from pundit
Craig Moore expects “massive” Rangers player Scott Arfield to leave this summer but has ruled out the prospect of him going to Falkirk.
The Canadian international recently admitted he would love to return to the club were he started his career [Scottish Sun, 10 April], with his current Ibrox contract expiring in the summer.
The 34-year-old one of a number expected to depart but dropping down a division or two, with the Scottish League One side currently 11 points off the top in second place, is not on the cards according to Australian Moore who feels a player of Arfield’s quality needs to be playing more often elsewhere for now.
Speaking on Go Radio, as per Football Scotland the ex-Ibrox defender said: “I think Scotty Arfield has been a massive player for Rangers.”
“I don’t expect to see him at Falkirk next year but I don’t expect to see him at Rangers either. I would think he would be one of a number of players who might be looking elsewhere.
“I can’t see him going from Rangers to Falkirk, no disresepect to Falkirk.
“Being that type of player, is a bit-part contribution enough? It’s not whether Scott Arfield is good enough, he’s nothing to prove to me.
“But at that age it’s about playing football and I think that may have him looking elsewhere.”
Not yet
Arfield can still do a job in the SPFL even well into his 30s, and he has contributed to Rangers this season still, but if the club are going to push onto the next level it needs to be with players who are going to be around for the long haul.
On a free transfer there is sure to be some interest from elsewhere in the Scottish top flight, and he could have options from outside the country, but unless he has his heart set on Falkirk immediately it may be a year or two off yet.
In his time at Ibrox he has been a reliable operator, and there may be time yet for him to leave his mark on the season before it finishes.
His pair of injury time strikes to rescue victory from the jaws at defeat against Aberdeen on 20 December formed probably the most dramatic end to a game under Michael Beale yet.
But as the manager looks to rejuvenate his squad, and the first two signings by the former QPR boss both made in positions that Arfield can play in – Todd Cantwell and Nico Riskin – the writing was on the wall a while ago.
He could yet return to Ibrox on the opposing side, and it may be that the Falkirk homecoming is in a coaching capacity after retirement.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist branded Chris Sutton absolutely shocking as the pair clashed over a Celtic player.