Joe Worrall and Gareth McAuley are currently in the final few months of their contract with Rangers. That will leave Steven Gerrard with only two central defenders in the form of Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson. Therefore there is no doubt that the Gers will go after a centre back in the upcoming summer transfer window. Nottingham Forest are expected to recall Joe Worrall after his loan spell, so Gerrard is unlikely to get his hands on the English defender again.
One player who seems to be very attainable for Steven Gerrard is former Rangers academy product Craig Halkett. The defender recently showed his class once again as Livingston held Celtic to a draw at Parkhead. It’s true that Livingston goalkeeper Liam Kelly played a massive role in that, but Halkett was often leading from the back for his side.
The result was even more impressive considering that the Hoops went in with their strongest attacking lineup possible. Tom Rogic, Ryan Christie, James Forrest, Callum McGregor and Odsonne Edouard all started together.
Moreover, this is the second time this season Livingston have managed to shut Celtic down completely. Last year in November, they managed a 0-0 result, and a significant part in both those games was played by their captain Halkett.
Why Halkett is an attainable target?
The defender is in the last few months of his contract, and he has been strongly linked with a move to Hearts. The 23-year-old is available on a free transfer, and that should undoubtedly intrigue Rangers. The centre back still loves Rangers as he was quoted as saying, ”It wasn’t nice to leave Rangers. You wonder if your future is going to be outside football.”
After putting in a top performance against Rangers last year, Steven Gerard had also praised him, and the Bears were even linked with him for some time.
Why Rangers should sign him?
At just 23, Halkett is currently captaining his side week in week out, and that shows how long he has come since leaving Rangers in 2016. At that time, it felt like an inconsequential exit under Mark Warburton. However, the defender has improved leaps and bounds, and he can do a job at the back for the Bears.
His commitment and desire are often there to see whenever he is on the pitch. Rangers fans too would love to see him return home. With two defenders set to exit the club, Gerrard should definitely target this former player who is set to be a free agent soon.
