Peter Grant raves about Tom Lawrence live on air, Rangers star ‘like a new signing’ for Philippe Clement
Peter Grant has raved about Rangers star Tom Lawrence live on air, suggesting the Ibrox attacking midfielder has been “like a new signing” since returning from injury.
The Welshman has started the last two matches for Philippe Clement’s side either side of the international break, being preferred over Todd Cantwell to play just behind the number nine in the central attacking midfield role.
While a number of supporters and pundits alike have been pining for Cantwell to return to his preferred position, Grant has been impressed with Lawrence’s displays from the number 10 position, even going as far as to compare his presence to that of a new signing.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show (28 November, 53:50) he said: “I think it’s interesting with Rangers, I like Lawrence and he’s come back and we’ve seen him at the weekend and I was impressed with him.
“I like him as a footballer, I’ve seen quite a lot of him in England and when he’s fit, he’s like a new signing to them, there’s absolutely no doubt about that.”
Number 10 sorted
With the January transfer window on the horizon, many Rangers supporters are already wondering where Clement may look to strengthen his side in the new year, with a striker and potentially a new wide option the primary targets currently at Ibrox.
But it feels as though the Light Blues can leave the attacking midfield market alone now as they already have a depth of quality in their ranks without adding to it in January. Lawrence’s return to fitness alone has acted as a new signing in that position.
When fully fit, the 29-year-old has shown that he can contribute in the final third especially. In five Scottish Premiership starts this season he has two assists and last year he managed three goal involvements in just four starts before suffering a season-ending injury.
If Lawrence can remain fit and firing, he has to be Clement’s first choice in the number 10 role. Cantwell hasn’t shown enough in the opening weeks of the season to justify his selection while the Welshman has carried a consistent threat whenever he has played.
With Grant’s label of being “like a new signing” Rangers may have already found their most important January addition a month or two earlier than expected. They don’t need another 10 when the window finally opens and can now focus their resources elsewhere.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has admitted that he is concerned about Ryan Jack’s latest injury update