Hutton issues ‘big’ Itten claim after he was messed around by Gerrard at Rangers
Cedric Itten has a “big opportunity” to impress at Rangers after his recall this month, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Gers defender and Rangers TV pundit, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old is better suited to the system employed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst after struggling under Steven Gerrard last term.
Itten followed his first Rangers goal of the season against Stirling Albion last week by featuring from the start as the Scottish Premiership leaders drew against Ross County today (29 January).
The Ibrox side confirmed earlier this month (12 January) that the Swiss striker had cut short his loan with Bundesliga side Greuther Furth – where he netted two goals in 12 appearances.
Hutton insisted Itten has a “big opportunity” to establish himself in the wake of Alfredo Morelos’ Colombia call-up and Jermain Defoe’s January exit.
“Out on loan he only scored two, so that will have been difficult,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“But with Morelos getting called up, Defoe leaving – it was a good opportunity to bring him back and have a look at him for Van Bronckhorst.
“The Stirling Albion game was one where he perhaps should have been the standout player. In terms of that game, it looked like he was trying a bit too hard.
“That’s understandable, he’s just back from a loan spell and trying to impress. He did well and got the goal.
“When he was playing under Gerrard, he was asked to do different jobs which I don’t think suited him.
“Van Bronckhorst likes to play with a focal point, and I think that could be a better fit. It’s a big opportunity for him.”
In other news, Rangers make decision on signing Premier League starlet amid ‘concrete’ Cardiff City and Reading interest.