Rangers TV pundit admits Ryan Kent ‘fear’ as ‘nasty’ footage analysed
Alan Hutton has admitted he “really feared” for Ryan Kent after an injury scare for Rangers against Dundee.
The former Gers defender and Rangers TV pundit, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 25-year-old was lucky to avoid further damage after a “nasty” incident with Dundee’s Ryan Sweeney.
As seen in Premier Sports’ highlights package (03:48) of Sunday’s game, Kent was left hobbling after colliding with the Dark Blues’ defender.
The winger was subbed off just minutes later for Amad Diallo.
However, as quoted by the Scottish Sun (13 March), Giovanni van Bronckhorst stated Kent had only suffered bruising and should be “fine” for the Gers’ upcoming games.
Hutton admitted Rangers “have to protect” the likes of Kent with “bigger games” on the horizon.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You have to protect your top assets. These are guys that constantly perform at a high level.
“The Kent one, it was a nasty one. I really feared for him. I think it was Sweeney who came in at the back post and caught him quite high.
“He looked uncomfortable right after it. No chances, get him off. Same with Jack, they’re pivotal to what Rangers do.
“You could even see that after Rangers got the early goals. Morelos came off, Kamara came off. Giovanni van Bronckhorst knows that there are bigger games up ahead in the coming month.”
Kent has chipped in with 15 assists and two goals in his 33 appearances for the Light Blues this season.
Van Bronckhorst’s men beat Dundee 3-0 thanks to goals from Connor Goldson, James Tavernier and Fashion Sakala.
In other news, medical expert delivers “worrying” verdict on Rangers-bound John Souttar.