OPINION
Rangers manager Steven Gerard has wasted no time in bolstering his options in the midfield in the short time that he has been at Ibrox and it has meant that the existing options at the club face a real fight for their futures.
One man who was immediately deemed surplus to requirements was Greg Docherty, the 22-year-old shipped out of Glasgow to English League One side Shrewsbury Town and the young prospect has flourished south of the border.
His seven goals and seven assists is a magnificent record for a midfielder regardless of the division and it seems as though his efforts have earned him some new potential suitors in the form of English Championship sides, as reported by journalist Tom Carnduff.
Hull are one of a few Championship clubs interested in #RangersFC midfielder Greg Docherty.
Currently on-loan at #Salop. Seven goals and seven assists this season. Would be another loan move if he does go. #HCAFC
— Tom Carnduff (@TomCarnduff) January 8, 2019
A move up the leagues would be quite a step up for Docherty and a chance for him to prove that he has what it takes to deliver at Ibrox.
However, the truth of the matter is that the only way to prove your worth at a club is to be battling with the players for a first team spot and if the likes of Hull City believe he is good enough, then Gerrard needs to be tearing up his loan deal and taking him back for a senior battle until the end of the season.
Playing in the Championship is all well and good but it does not help Gerrard get a clear idea of whether or not the midfielder has what it takes to be part of his side and seeing him week in, week out in training is going to provide a much clearer picture.
Rangers are only going to keep strengthening and instead of having to make a decision on the future of Docherty during pre-season, Gerrard can already have a good idea of whether he will stay or go by bringing him back to Ibrox this month.