Kevin Drinkell drops Antonio Colak verdict amid Rangers exit talk
Kevin Drinkell believes Antonio Colak still has a part to play at Rangers despite finding himself in and out of Michael Beale’s plans.
The Scottish Sun reported on 9 May that the 29-year-old forward could well be on his way out of Ibrox, with MLS and German sides interested.
However, speaking exclusively to The Daily Record on Monday 12 June, the former Gers striker believes the Croatian still has a part to play.
“He’s on the fringes of it, then he comes in and he nicks the goals and does his bit. He’s shown he scores goals and, again, it’s consistency.
“Sometimes the modern game dictates when you play. You can score a hat trick one week, then you are rested the next.
“If there is competition for places, you can be coming out of the team when you think you should be in it and then being in the team when you maybe have a niggle.
“The manager just needs everyone to have a really calm and solid pre-season, have everyone scratching at each other to all be different options and all be available to the manager.
“That’ll put him in the right position because it has been proven in the past when they have had to rely on a not-consistent Morelos that it’s not healthy to be relying on one person.”
Part to play?
Does Colak really have a part to play next season? With Rangers closing in on moves for Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers, the answer is probably no.
Michael Beale is clearly eager to add to his strike force, with Alfredo Morelos now moving on – it would certainly paint a bleak picture for Colak if two more forwards arrived.
The Rangers boss has typically adopted a system which accommodates one central striker, therefore, Colak would be either the third or fourth choice, with Kemar Roofe also coming into the reckoning.
Roofe is often forgotten about.
The former Leeds forward has been everso impressive whenever he’s stayed fit for a run of games. But, as we all know, his injury issues are seemingly neverending.
Despite his problems, Beale would be foolish to not give the 30-year-old a chance during the 2023/24 season. His tenacious running, quality in front of goal and ability to change games make him a valuable asset.
In other Rangers news, Chris Jack believes one Gers ace should have quit Ibrox after the 2021/22 Europa League final.