A number of Rangers fans have taken to social media to react to the performance of young winger Glenn Middleton after he appeared from the bench in the clash against FK Shkupi on Tuesday.
The Gers, who had won the first leg of the Europa League qualifying clash 2-0 at Ibrox, played out a 0-0 draw away in Macedonia, with manager Steven Gerrard keeping faith with the same line up – minus the injured Scott Arfield – that had come away with victory last week.
It meant that fans had to wait until the 64th minute to see former Norwich flyer Middleton, who is highly rated by the club and its fans, step onto the pitch, taking the place of Josh Windass.
64' ? SUB: Glenn Middleton comes on to replace Josh Windass. 0-0
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 17, 2018
His arrival was met warmly by the Ibrox faithful on Twitter, although he was roundly panned for missing a good chance not long after his arrival.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ reactions on Twitter:
Tried so, so, so hard to remain positive but this game is edging close to the 'brutal' line. Middleton, however, looks bright once again.
— talkingbaws (@talkingbawscom) July 17, 2018
love middleton
— ANDREW PRICE (@andrewprice2021) July 17, 2018
Middleton ??
— Nikki L J (@NikkiLJ14) July 17, 2018
Middleton, old school byline and cross. Love it
rangers easy ok.??
— . (@mareorless) July 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/McLean_1872x/status/1019269782296825858
https://twitter.com/KuriousOranjj/status/1019269442180730880
https://twitter.com/ScadLenton/status/1019275454451027968
Should've been in from the start! Wee guy is worth watching, a bright future ahead for him
— MC (@carmags1508) July 17, 2018
Ejaria and Middleton have done well since coming on
— wit wit wit??????????? (@Skooshbear75) July 17, 2018
Opinion
He might have only been given just over 25 minutes by Steven Gerrard but Middleton is quickly becoming a favourite of the Rangers fans. The 19-year-old has the pace and trickery to torment defenders, and although it did not come off for him over in Macedonia, he still made a good impression to those watching on. The 18-year-old is obviously not trusted with a starting spot just yet, despite having impressed in the first leg, but these regular minutes will only help his development and turn him into the first team talent that fans, and Gerrard, will be hoping for over the coming months.