Johnstone urges Wallace to consider move away from Rangers

Derek Johnstone has urged Rangers fan favourite Lee Wallace to leave the club if any offers come his way in this current transfer window.

He says that the frozen-out defender needs to consider a move away from the Ibrox if he is to make the most of his career, especially he has fallen out-of-favour with manager Steven Gerrard.

The 31-year-old has only made two appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season – and Johnstone says that seeming as he is not going to get a chance in the first team any time soon, a move away is the best thing he could do, especially as there has been talk of returning to Hearts.

“Now, though, he has to think about himself and he should be looking to leave Rangers for the good of his career so that he can go away and play football,” he said in his Evening Times column.

“I have no doubt that he would want to stay at the club but if someone comes in for him this month he should think about taking the opportunity to get back on the park. He has to seriously think about it.

“He will want to play week in week out but that isn’t going to happen for him at Rangers. So a move is the best thing for him. I know there has been talk about a return to Hearts in the past and, without having spoken to Lee about it, I am sure that would interest him.

OPINION

Johnstone is right – moving away is the best thing Wallace could do for his career at the moment. The likelihood of him forcing his way into Gerrard’s plans anytime soon are very slim, so he should consider first team opportunities elsewhere for the sake of his career. It will not do him any good remaining on the sidelines at a club who clearly do not want him as their first choice. He has done a lot for Rangers in the past, and that will no doubt be remembered by the Rangers fans – but like they say, all good things should come to an end. Rangers have progressed considerably since Gerrard took charge, and unfortunately for Wallace, those plans do not include him. He will no doubt do well for whatever club he may eventually end up at, but one thing is for sure – he cannot stay at Rangers. Wallace has enough quality to break into most first teams – especially in Scotland – so a move away if best for both parties.

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