Ryan Kent showed in his first loan spell at Rangers just how good a player he can be.
The then-Liverpool winger won young player of the year in Scotland following a barnstorming campaign that saw him net six goals and contribute plenty more assists. After signing on a permanent transfer last season, questions were raised about his consistency and form after a handful of average performances.
But the Englishman has started this season, seemingly, as he means to go on. A goal against Aberdeen on the opening day and a slick showing at home to St Mirren followed. On a day at Ibrox where he looked to be enjoying his football, back to the Ryan Kent who was valued at £7million.
Ex-Gers winger Mark Walters is a big fan of the attacker. He believes he can play a pivotal role for the Light Blues this season if he can find the level of football which brought him to the dance, on a more consistent basis. He needs to add more goals to his game, though, according to Walters.
The latter had a goals-to-games ratio during his own spell as a Rangers player of around one goal in every three games. To play as a wide man for a trophy-hunting side, Walters believes, Kent will have to come as close to that as he can. "I have been very impressed with Ryan Kent," Walters said. "He’s a terrific signing - a great young player with great attributes.
"He is equally comfortable off his left and right foot and has scored some good goals. I think he will have a very important role this season. It doesn’t matter what level you play at having a winger who creates and scores goals is key.
"If Rangers can keep him fit and his confidence high, as he is a confidence player, then he will be a vital cog for Rangers winning trophies this season. You have to remember, I was playing with some great players. With all respect the Rangers lads just now, they are still bedding in.
"It is a bit more difficult at the moment but he certainly has the potential to score more goals. His ratio has to be at least one goal in four if you are playing in that position. Centre forwards can't always score the goals so you have to chip in. I actually managed to get Ally McCoist off the penalties so that helped me get a few more as well. He definitely needs to score more as that will make him a better player.
"Scoring goals increases your confidence and that is something he can struggle with."
If Kent can improve his scoring ratio, Rangers will have a chance. With the introduction of Kemar Roofe from Anderlecht and Cedric Itten from St Gallen, there are no shortage of goals in the set-up. Therefore, there will be no excuses if Gers fail to land any silverware this season.
Steven Gerrard heads into his third term as manager at the club and he is yet to win a trophy. Unacceptable for any Rangers manager of the past, certainly. And Walters is adamant the Liverpool icon must finally secure silverware this year. "Does Steven need to deliver a trophy this season? Frankly, yes," he added.
"He has been here a few years now and Rangers is about trophies. By hook or by crook, they need a trophy this year, without a doubt. I don’t think Stevie himself would be happy without winning a trophy. He was a fantastic player and won so much. It’s common sense he wants to do the same as a manager.
‘Stevie knows himself he needs to win a trophy. That’s what you get judged on. If he’s going to do other things in his career then he has to win a trophy anyway.
“When we won the League Cup it set us up to win the league that season. The same can happen if Rangers win the Betfred Cup this season. It would help build confidence and camaraderie. It would also put down a marker and show Rangers mean business this season. Steven has been at the club for a few years now and he has to win a trophy. That is how you judge Rangers.
“To not win one in the last few years in unbelievable given the squad he has here."
Mark Walters was speaking at the launch of Premier Sports live and exclusive coverage of the Betfred Cup and Celtic’s first three European qualifiers. Premier Sports is available on Sky, Virgin TV and the Premier Player. Prices start from £9.99 per month.
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