Bailey Rice ‘needs shouting at’ as Rangers told to rethink choice of loan exit
Rangers are looking to trim down their bloated squad by loaning out Bailey Rice for the season.
Russell Martin has signed a host of new players this summer, meaning that 18-year-old Rice is unlikely to get much playing time at Ibrox.
Rice was given a start against Alloa Athletic in the Premier Sports Cup, but struggled to make a positive impact.
It has been suggested that Rice might be loaned to his old club Motherwell to gain more first-time experience, but some think that’s not a great idea.
Clifford tells Rangers to rethink Rice loan deal
Stevie Clifford, a prominent Rangers blogger, has suggested that Motherwell is far from the ideal destination for Rice.
On Monday’s Rangers Review podcast, he suggested the teenager would be better off playing in the lower leagues of Scotland.
He said: “I wouldn’t send [Rice] on loan to Motherwell. I think that’s too high. I think Rice needs to go to Raith Rovers for six months.
“Or somewhere like that in the Championship, where he gets shouted at and gets his experience of playing in proper, hard football, where he’s running about, he’s having to do the dirty side of the game. Because he’s got no idea of how to do that.”
Clifford might have a point based on the teenager’s performance against Alloa on Saturday. Rice was at fault for Alloa’s goal and was generally second-best in his personal battles throughout the first half before being withdrawn with an injury.
He didn’t look ready to play for any Scottish Premiership side in that game.
Martin needs to shift unwanted players to maintain happy dressing room at Rangers
Martin has been heavily backed by the new Rangers owners during this transfer window.
He has been on a serious recruitment drive, and more players are expected to come in before the end of the month.
This spending spree should give him the best possible chance of competing with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this year.
| Date | Opponent |
| 24 August | St Mirren vs Rangers |
| 31 August | Rangers vs Celtic |
| 13 September | Rangers vs Hearts |
However, the Rangers boss will also need to shift some players he considers surplus to requirements.
There aren’t just financial benefits to doing this. It can harm squad morale when the dressing room is packed with players who can’t get a game.
Rice is one player who isn’t needed at Ibrox this season, but several more should be sold permanently. This is a transfer window task that’s crucial for the long-term health of the club. Martin must take care not to ignore it.
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