OPINION
The Rangers squad is unrecognisable to what it was last season after Steven Gerrard’s revolution at Ibrox – and the return of Kyle Lafferty was the latest in a long line of signings made by the Light Blues.
The Northern Irish hitman secured his move back to the club from Hearts last week and made a dream start to his second stint, netting a brace on the way to a 3-3 draw away at Motherwell to show he can rediscover the form shown during his first stay in Glasgow.
However, despite his impressive display, pundit Chris Sutton was more concerned about his personality and impact off the pitch rather than on it, worrying that he could prove to be a “disruptive” presence among the squad and that Gerrard would have to be careful to manage that.
Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “I’ve got my doubts about him, I still have, but he looks really motivated. He’s the difference; his movement’s good, his hold up play is good.
“He’s played well. Do I trust him? The jury’s out. You look through his career, he has been a disruptive influence.”
"I've got my doubts about him, I still have… But he looks REALLY motivated."
"He's the difference."@chris_sutton73 has been impressed by Kyle Lafferty's return to Rangers, but he's not getting carried away ? pic.twitter.com/G4P7tBh8Gl
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 26, 2018
As Sutton says, there have been some issues with Lafferty’s off-field behaviour, with gambling issues and a bust-up with former Gers boss Ally McCoist durinng his first stint at the club, and part of Gerrard’s job as manager is to ensure he stays on the path and does not stray again.
The Ibrox dressing room looks significantly more unified than in previous years and throwing a potential ticking-time bomb in the shape of Lafferty in is a gamble, and one which could result in disharmony if things are not managed correctly.
Yes, he might be a great striker but if he is harming his team mates’ performances and attention on and off the pitch, is he really the man the Light Blues should have?
Sutton might not be popular at Ibrox, but he has hit the nail on the head with Lafferty – Gerrard needs to keep him on a short leash to get the best out of everyone at the club.