Rangers winger Ryan Kent heads into tomorrow’s Old Firm derby against Celtic with question marks over his recent form.
The 24-year-old has not scored since starring in the 4-0 win over Aberdeen back in November, while his last assist in any competition came against Standard Liege in the 3-2 victory last month.
Supporters on Twitter have been debating whether Kent deserves to be selected for the derby, after being named on the bench for the win against St Mirren during the week. Most, though, feel he will start against Celtic after performing well in previous Old Firm clashes:
He always turns up against them. That’s why he was rested today.
— rob cameron (@Cam283Robert) December 30, 2020
They are scared of him, of course he plays?⚪️?
— Jim Ritchie (@ritchie69jim) December 31, 2020
Kent can do next nothing for 70 minutes or so, but he can change the whole complex of a game in the space of a minute
— Steven Ge55ard (@Steven50352573) December 30, 2020
Yup. He starts along with Helander & Alfie for me. Bring on Hagi after 60 mins to pull what’s left of their back line apart.
— The Prof (@Cosmos_Ranger) December 30, 2020
like alfie they will spend time marking the pair of them making holes for the rest to pour through.
— john Ayrshire drysdale (@john_drybey) December 30, 2020
Absolutely. I would play Kent every week no matter who we’re playing he’s always a handful and takes opposing players out of the game. I’d be more selective which games to play Alfie tho I think Roofe and Itten would be first pick for some games. Defo not against Tim’s Alfie #1
— CeePeeRFC (@CeeRfc) December 30, 2020
Rested maybe he’ll be a lot fresher to face the tims now
— Craig Mc (@craigster69) December 31, 2020
To be honest, it would be a massive surprise if the former Liverpool player didn’t start. The front three of Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi performed well on Wednesday but manager Steven Gerrard is likely to return to a more familiar frontline this weekend.
After scoring in the 2-1 win over Celtic a year ago, Kent will be hoping to have the same sort of impact tomorrow.