Chicago Fire right-back Matt Polster has headed to Rangers for a trial after impressing Steven Gerrard during his days in MLS, according to US journalist Charles Boehm.
The FourFourTwo USA reporter has claimed on RockSport Radio that when Gerrard was at LA Galaxy, he played against Polster when the 25-year-old caught his eye.
Gerrard, as quoted by BBC Sport, has confirmed that Polster is joined by fellow American Andrew Gutman on trial at Rangers.
“The other interesting angle here, speaking of Steven Gerrard, is that he crossed paths with the other player on trial from Chicago, Matt Polster,” Boehm told RockSport Radio on Wednesday night [36:00].
“They played against one another when Gerrard finished his career with LA Galaxy.
“It’s my understanding that he noticed Polster during that time and may have played role in him calling him in.”
OPINION
Polster has had a pretty miserable 2018. The USA international managed just three MLS appearances for Chicago Fire this season due to a serious knee injury, and it looks as though he could be on the move in the New Year given the fact that he has been allowed to go on trial with Rangers. The 25-year-old can play as both a right-back and a central midfielder, so it will be interesting to see if Gerrard signs him because versatility could be a major asset in the second-half of the season. Gutman, 22, is not as well-known as Polster, but he has been impressing at college level in the States and could also be a shrewd addition. Neither player is likely to cost a lot if Gerrard does wish to sign them, but there could be issues with work permits. Polster has just one USA cap to his name and Gutman doesn’t even have any senior appearances to brag about. These trials will more than likely to come to nothing, but it is certainly worth having a look at them.