McLeish issues emphatic Ryan Kent claim, digs at Rangers teammates for not passing to him enough
Rangers have been handed an “important” boost with Ryan Kent available for Thursday’s clash against Red Star Belgrade according to Alex McLeish.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gers manager branded the 25-year-old a “vital cog” in the “nucleus” of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s starting XI.
The Rangers boss confirmed on Wednesday (16 March) Kent would be available for the game versus Red Star Belgrade after an injury scare against Dundee on Sunday.
Van Bronckhorst also revealed he plans to name his strongest starting XI possible on Thursday.
That is despite the Gers holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg.
McLeish insisted Rangers need Kent to keep playing week in, week out to stay at the top of his game.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think it’s important that Ryan Kent keeps playing. Again, we talk about the nucleus of the team.
“I think he’s vital to the team at this very moment and when the prizes are being handed out towards the finish of the season.
“When I saw him a couple of weeks ago against Aberdeen, first five minutes, he got on the ball and I said: ‘This guy is in the groove.’
“I felt that day that Rangers, the players, his teammates, didn’t give him enough of the ball. He was in a hungry manner. I think he’s continued with that form since.
“That’s why he’s really a vital cog in the wheel in this run-in.”
Kent has started 32 times in 33 appearances for Rangers across all competitions this season.
He has scored twice and contributed 15 assists so far.
In other news, Rangers TV pundit drops verdict on senior Ibrox star being axed after what he’s seen.