Rangers have a Bailey Rice problem after his latest Kilmarnock showing vs Hearts

Bailey Rice's loan at Kilmarnock may be raising alarm bells at Rangers.

The 19-year-old midfielder signed a new contract with the Gers this summer and was sent to Rugby Park on a temporary basis.

The move worked brilliantly for Findlay Curtis, who has now established himself in the Bears and Scotland squads.

Rice will hope that he can have a similar outcome with the Neil McCann led side.

He has played nine times in all competitions so far, but the spell with the Ayrshire-based side may not be working out for his development.

Rice's latest showing away from Govan proves why Derek McInnes may regret the decision to send him there amid a new dilemma.

How did Bailey Rice perform in Kilmarnock's draw with Hearts?

Rice started the 1-1 draw against Hearts but it was far from his best game in Scottish football.

He recorded just 29 touches in the contest, as a result of his side having just 33 per cent possession, per Fotmob data.

The Gers loanee managed to complete 80 per cent of his 20 pass attempts, with four going to the final third.

Defensively, he managed five total contributions, with two tackles, one block, one clearance, one interception and also had one recovery.

In terms of duels, he won two of two on the ground, for a 100 per cent success rate, and failed with all four aerial duels that he contested.

It does not seem like the best preparation for his eventual return to Ibrox next season and that is a problem.

Why Rice's loan struggles are far from ideal for Rangers

Rangers traditionally dominate the ball, and that has been the case so far this season.

They are the fourth highest team in the Scottish Premiership for average possession, with 54 per cent.

That means that Rice should be confident with the ball at his feet, taking a lot of touches, and making a lot of passes, as they progress the ball through midfield.

He is not getting that opportunity with Killie, and it may leave him struggling to adapt when he comes back to Auchenhowie.

The Light Blues have a decision to make over whether they should keep him there, or recall him when the chance comes in the winter transfer window.