Charlie Adam has backed Steven Gerrard’s decision to keep Steven Davis on the bench and to not include the January signing in his recent starting line-ups.
Since returning to Ibrox on loan from Southampton, Davis has made just two Scottish Premiership starts for the Light Blues and was an unused substitute in the 4-2 win against Aberdeen last week.
Stoke star Adam believes that Gerrard is spot on to overlook the Northern Ireland international due to the form of his other players, but admits that might be a worry to other people.
“I’ve seen the majority of the games this season and for me Ross McCrorie has to play because of the way Steven is looking for the midfield to press the ball,” said Adam, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“Ryan Jack and Scotty Arfield have also been doing really well so these guys are in possession of the jerseys and deserve to be.
He added: “So yes it will be hard for Davo to get in the team. Are people shocked about that?
“They will be because Rangers have obviously brought him in as a big-name signing along with [Jermain] Defoe.
“But at the moment you couldn’t really say either of them should be in the team when everyone else is fit and available.”
OPINION
Davis is yet to set Ibrox alight with his performances for Rangers after returning to the club in January. However as Adam says, Gerrard’s other midfielders are playing well with the Gers boss finding a real rhythm between Ross McCrorie, Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield as a central trio. Davis’ time will come but for now it is definitely best if he is eased back into the game with substitute appearances every now and then. There will be an injury, a suspension or a drop in form for one of the current midfield trio in the next month or so, and by the time that comes around, hopefully Davis will be fully up to speed with the way the Gers play and has regained his match fitness. Before joining the Light Blues, Davis had not played a lot of football for Southampton in the Premier League, so it is understandable to see him on the bench so much. Adam says that Davis’ lack of starts is a “shock” for some people, but when you think about it, it really isn’t.