Leon King headed for Rangers exit door after kick in the teeth
Rangers are in the midst of a defensive crisis that will have Philippe Clement banging his head against the wall.
The influential John Souttar getting injured was a big enough blow but losing Leon Balogun, James Tavernier and Neraysho Kasanwirjo only exacerbated the pain.
With Dujon Sterling also a doubt to face Dundee on Thursday, the issues are certainly mounting up at the back for the boss, who really needs a result at Dens Park to stave off renewed sack pressure.
But it was an admission from the Belgian after the 3-3 draw with Hibernian that has really brought into focus the future of one player at Rangers, namely Leon King who was once tipped for big things.
Clement spoke after the pulsating, yet frustrating, Easter Road point of the need to add defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Leon King days at Rangers look numbered
John McGarry and Paul Forsyth summed it up well for the Daily Mail Rangers Confidential (9 January) when they said of King: “The real kick in the teeth for the Scot came after the match though. Despite also missing Leon Balogun, John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Clement made it clear that he wanted the board to help him bring in fresh defenders.
“King may feature against Dundee at Dens Park on Thursday night, but he now knows exactly where he stands.”
At just 20 years old you can argue that time is still on King’s side to reverse his fortunes at Ibrox.
But a more cynical view would suggest that two managers now in Michael Beale and Clement have decided not to utilise him more after a breakout season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the 2022-23 campaign.
Indeed he made only six appearances last term and only Sterling coming off against Hibs saw King given game time for the first time this season.
It was indeed a kick in the teeth for King and, right now, you can’t help but feel he is inevitably headed for the exit door.
In other Rangers news, a loan-to-buy looks to be on the cards amid latest Ibrox development.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.