OPINION
Rangers fans might have expected to see defender Lee Wallace head through the exit doors alongside Kenny Miller this summer after their controversial incident towards the end of last season – but the veteran defender remained part of the squad under Steven Gerrard.
The 30-year-old – a former captain at Ibrox – might not be a regular part of the starting XI but he has featured, which is definitely more than most would have been predicting for his future at the club.
However, a recent revelation from 20-year-old Ross McCrorie, stating that is was the veteran full back’s leadership and professionalism which helped him settle into the side when promoted from the youth setup, proves that Gerrard, a novice in the managerial world, is keeping the experienced head not only for his qualities on the field but on the training ground too.
McCrorie told the Daily Record: “When I first went into the first-team to train, he was the skipper. He took me under his wing and was always speaking to me. Lee would take me to one side and ask how I was getting on.
“He made me feel part of it at Rangers. As a captain, there might be boys who aren’t involved so much. So you need to make sure they stay in the group. Lee is extremely professional, even in the way he talks to you. You can tell he’s a very intelligent guy.
“Even though he’s had a hard time of it recently with injury, he comes to every game and cheers the boys on.”
Wallace might be a controversial figure at Ibrox right now, especially after seeing his appeal upheld over the fine dished out by the club following the alleged bust up with Graeme Murty, but despite what the top brass might think he is looking safe under Gerrard.
The former Liverpool man has overseen an overhaul of the first team and as such has few experienced heads to call upon in the Ibrox dressing room, and with Wallace having not only been a mainstay but a leader of those remaining at the club, his knowledge is vital.
Wallace might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but he brings plenty to the dressing room and as such is a key member of the squad.