A defeat to Celtic at Ibrox exposed Steven Gerrard’s Rangers who are desperate to knock the Hoops off their perch drawing an end to their decade-long dominance. The Bears splashed the cash once again this transfer window as the rebuilding continues under the Liverpool legend’s tutelage.
Not all of his summer signings, however, settled in well and the gaffer opted to loan out Jake Hastie some months after roping in from Motherwell. Rotherham United stepped up and secured his services on deadline day, and the 20-year-old did not disappoint on his EFL League One debut despite their defeat against Doncaster Rovers on the road.
The Millers are aiming an immediate return to the English second tier after going down last season. But they have struggled so far to grab results, and the inclusion of Hastie did not alter the fortune even though the winger earned them a first-half lead from a spectacular free-kick. He whipped in a beautiful cross as well following a corner early in the second half. However, it was headed over by Richard Wood from the centre of the box and therefore, denied Rotherham from doubling the lead before conceding twice.
What’s Next For The Young Ace
Hastie’s League One stint is off to a flier, and the youngster must build on this performance to stake a claim in Gerrard’s long-term plans. He is rated highly back in his homeland, and the club even agreed to pay Motherwell a fee of around £350,000 (according to The Rotherham Advertiser) as compensation to secure the services of the Scotland U21 international.
Does He Have A Future At Rangers?
He was deployed down the right – a slot where the Gers require someone in the long run if Sheyi Ojo returns to Liverpool upon completion of his current loan term. Scott Arfield has featured on the wing at times, but the veteran Canadian is more suited centrally in creating chances and scoring goals from behind the attacking third.
The Light Blues, meanwhile, have an abundance of options on the left, particularly after the mega-money acquisition of Ryan Kent. Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones have been tied down whereas the experience of Jamie Murphy might prove to be crucial at some stage of the season. Eros Grezda still remains on Ibrox books and Glenn Middleton, the other promising prospect, is tipped to return in better shape following his loan spell with Hibernian after showing glimpses of his excellence in Europe last campaign.
Hastie has huge potential having exhibited his expertise in North Lanarkshire, but he must aim for the role on the right-hand flank to become a regular in due time if his spell in South Yorkshire goes as per plan.
