OPINION
There can be little doubting that Rangers are miles ahead in terms of quality in their squad to where they stood last year and the hope at Ibrox is that the club will continue to push forward in the right direction.
The summer was one of the most exciting times in the club’s recent history with new manager Steven Gerrard bringing in over a dozen new faces to the squad and letting what many would consider deadwood leave.
It is fair to say that the Gers have taken themselves to the next level with their new arrivals, sitting well within touching distance of league leaders Celtic heading into Christmas.
However, they required a last ditch turnaround on Sunday against St Johnstone to give them a valuable three points and it was a game which harked back to the Rangers of old for more than one reason.
Not only was the performance disjointed – much like what the Ibrox faithful watched last season – but it featured a rare appearance for Lee Wallace, the 31-year-old Gers veteran making his second outing of the season.
Speaking after the game, Gerrard not only praised the experienced left back but hinted at what would be a shock lifeline for his career at the club, telling the Daily Record: “It will take him time to get back to his best, although he did communicate and was trying to lead.
“I’m pleased he’s come back in and sampled a win because he’s been working hard in training and deserved his opportunity.”
No offence to the Rangers defender but Gerrard is wasting his time handing him any sort of chance at Ibrox, for he represents exactly what the club are trying to move on from.
He is a hard worker with a never say die attitude but quite frankly he is lacking in the quality and talent the Gers want and need to become a top quality side and the truth of the matter is that, with just over six months of his contract left at Ibrox, there is no reason for him to be anywhere near the first team any more.
It would be better for Gerrard to give young players the chance to shine and learn from senior experience rather than handing someone destined for the scrapheap that game time.
Wallace’s time is up and it is time for the manager to realise that.