McLeish tells critics and fans to ‘get off Ryan Kent’s back’ and insists he’s a ‘brilliant’ player
Alex McLeish has hailed Ryan Kent’s return to form for Rangers after disappointing against Celtic last week.
The former Gers boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted critics should “get off his back” despite a lacklustre performance at Parkhead.
The 25-year-old bounced back with a scintillating display against Hearts, while he also impressed in Wednesday’s win over Hibernian.
Kent chipped in with two assists against Robbie Neilson’s men, while he won the penalty for James Tavernier’s opener versus Hibs.
McLeish insisted the winger is looking “back to his best”.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We’ve seen some much-improved performances. Ryan Kent, for instance, looked back to his best.
“Wingers are not just wingers these days. They cut inside, travel across the pitch, you think of Mo Salah and Mane on the other side.
“These guys end up crossing over each other but generally, discipline-wise, they play in their position. If they’re against the ball, they’re normally where they’re meant to be.
“There’s so much expectation on a productive player, a player who produces the moments of magic. Kent is still a young guy, get off his back.
“He can have a wee spell (out of form) and then at the weekend he was brilliant. Running beyond Hearts defenders in the final third, a couple of great exchanges that led to a couple of great goals.
“The Celtic game was one to forget for every Rangers player. Forget the result and the points, it’s the past. They know that they have to keep that level that they’ve shown since.”
Kent has scored twice and contributed 11 assists across all competitions for Rangers this season.
Five of those assists have come in his last four Premiership appearances.
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