OPINION
Picking out one player who has transformed Rangers this season is an impossible task but there is no doubting that Ryan Kent’s performances have been crucial to their success so far.
The 5’9″ winger (source: Transfermarkt) might have taken a little while to get to the top of his game after a slow start to the season but he has come alive of late, dazzling down the wing and causing all sorts of problems.
With five goals and nine assists across all competitions, the Liverpool loanee is quite clearly enjoying his football at Ibrox and such regular game time will be keeping the 22-year-old happy – if Paul Heckingbottom is to be believed.
Steven Gerrard’s managerial rival at Hibernian knows all about the young wide man, having managed him during a loan spell at Barnsley, and he has delivered his verdict on the youngster’s future, insisting that first team game time is all the forward wants.
He told the Daily Record: “Knowing him, Ryan will just want to play. That could mean another loan or a permanent move or it could be as part of the Liverpool squad because I think they will definitely have another look at him when he goes back in pre-season.”
Without being rude to Kent, a spell among the senior squad at Anfield seems out of the question when you consider the talent Jurgen Klopp has at his disposal and so if Heckingbottom’s claims are true it would be wise to bet on him leaving either temporarily or permanently this summer.
It is a prediction the Ibrox faithful will all be praying comes true, for they would love to see him back in Glasgow next season – preferably as one of their own.
Gerrard seems impressed by what the winger has brought to the side and his regular starting role should be keeping the player happy, not to mention the chance to challenge for silverware.
Heckingbottom says he knows Kent – the Rangers fans will be hoping he is right and that it leads to another spell in Glasgow.