Rangers’ Director of Football Mark Allen recently indicated (Daily Record) that the 2-0 defeat against Celtic did not influence their pursuit of Ryan Kent on the final day of the transfer window. He claimed that the English winger was a target for them throughout the summer.
Sutton on Kent’s signing
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton meanwhile claims that Ryan Kent was not good as James Forrest, Scott Sinclair and even Michael Johnston last season. The pundit wrote (Daily Record), ”It seems that, in the eyes of the Rangers supporters, Kent’s signing is a game-changer. The last-ditch transfer window strike which is going to tilt the title odds back in their favour. At best, that is optimistic. At worst, it’s bordering on hysterical.”
”Across the city, Forrest was playing in the same position for a Celtic side which was criticised several times for not hitting top gear, and he managed to score 22 goals. Sinclair grabbed 17 and teenager Johnston got one less than Kent over the whole term with five having made 20 less appearances than the Rangers man.”
Indeed, the numbers of Kent don’t really match up with the likes of James Forrest and Scott Sinclair. But the game is sometimes more than just numbers. We are all seeing that even after a fruitful campaign last season, Sinclair isn’t even able to get into the matchday squads at Parkhead.
Kent, in fact, had a slow start to the season and he came into his element in the second half of the campaign. Moreover, last season was the Englishman’s first season in Scotland whereas Celtic’s said wingers have been playing together for some years now.
Time for Kent to be counted
The ongoing season is going to be a real test for Kent and Rangers. Sutton’s claims are demeaning and bordering on the lines of riling up Rangers fans. However, there is a truth that Kent will have to contribute with goals and assists this season. We think that the winger showed enough encouragement in the second half of the campaign which could see him hit the 10-15 goal mark this season.
The pressure will be on the former Liverpool man to deliver the goods straightaway this season as he has already got a year-long experience of playing in the Premiership now. It’s time for Kent and Rangers to shut Sutton’s mouth and it can only happen when they deliver the goods on the pitch as whatever Sutton claimed is factually correct for the time being.
