McAvennie ‘feels sorry for’ Leon King amid ‘soul destroying’ Rangers claim
Frank McAvennie “feels sorry” for Leon King after a tough spell at Rangers.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Celtic striker insisted King needs to get game time but is worried he won’t be able to do so at Ibrox.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a spell in the first team earlier this season under former boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst whilst first-choice Connor Goldson recovered from injury.
But since Michael Beale’s arrival, the centre-back is yet to feature for the Light Blues and has not been part of the first team since December.
On 13 March, Football Insider revealed that the Ibrox club could be set to lose players like King if they are unable to offer a clear pathway into the first team.
The teenager’s current contract runs until 2026 after signing an extension last summer.
McAvennie insisted King needs more game time at Rangers or elsewhere.
“I felt sorry for him because he got flung in when Goldson got injured,” he told Football Insider.
“Boys like Leon King, you have got to learn from another centre-half. If he would have played with Goldson, he would have learnt a lot more.
“I think he is a decent player but he was not ready for that length of time in the team. He is a good player but if he is not going to get a game, why would you want to sit about?
“Rangers do not seem to be changing the team. The longer you go without first team football, it is a bit soul destroying. He has got to play, he is still very young and he is needing to play football.“
In other news, according to sources, Rangers set sights on multiple striker signings as deal agreed.