Rangers: Frustration at lack of Dujon Sterling game time at Ibrox after Chelsea move
Derek Ferguson admits he has been “frustrated” that it has taken Rangers so long to get Dujon Sterling into the side regularly.
The 24-year-old was signed on a free transfer from Chelsea by Michael Beale in the summer, with the pair having a connection from the London side’s academy, but prior to the former Ibrox manager’s sacking on 1 October he had only given the new arrival seven appearances across all competitions totalling a measly 180 minutes [Transfermarkt].
Sterling had faded into obscurity in the early months of the season but under Philippe Clement he has gradually become far more prominent, and Ferguson has been delighted by what he has seen from the versatile “athlete”, although he would have liked it to be showcased more sooner.
He exclusively told Ibrox News: “I’ve been frustrated with his lack of games because any time he’s been out on that park [he’s impressed].
“This is in numerous positions as well, not just the middle of the park. He’s played in wide areas, he’s played as a sitting midfielder, he’s played as a winger, just a good athlete, good physicality about him.
“And he can deal with the ball, he doesn’t try to be too clever.”
Delayed Rangers breakout for Dujon Sterling frustrates Derek Ferguson
Clement arguably stumbled onto Sterling’s ability given he shone unexpectedly in midfield after Jose Cifuentes was suspended for the Viaplay Cup final, and has again impressed in wide attacking roles amid extensive injury issues of late.
But the Belgian hasn’t been afraid to use him despite having no history together, while Beale seemed to view him as an afterthought almost from the start, despite going out to sign him.
But there is plenty about the start to the current campaign that will always leave fans baffled, so now with both Clement and Sterling established as important figures at Ibrox it is instead a frustration that the latter himself picked up an injury and wasn’t able to feature as Rangers exited Europe in a tight clash with Benfica last week.
It is now clear what he can do and Ferguson is far from the only one to be impressed, so whether the former Stoke City loanee remains long-term or brings in a sizeable cash windfall in the transfer market the situation is belatedly looking much more positive.
In other Rangers news, a senior Ibrox player has agreed to leave the club.
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