Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has responded to claims that a number of fringe players could leave Ibrox in the January transfer window.

A Daily Record article said that the Gers would look to offload Jamie Murphy, Greg Docherty, Glenn Middleton, Matt Polster and loanee Andy King next month. While Gerrard would not name names, he did confirm departures were very likely:

“There will be people leaving the football club in the window but I respect my players and won’t name any individuals for now. You have to be honest with players and respect them. Unfortunately, we can only pick an 18-man squad.”

Middleton is expected to end his loan spell with Hibernian in January before being offloaded on a second loan move for the remainder of the campaign.

King has only featured in five substitute appearances this season, and he will almost certainly be sent back to his parent club Leicester City.

Polster, meanwhile, did actually come on as a sub in the 2-0 win over Motherwell at the weekend, but the American is expected to depart just one year after joining on a free transfer from Chicago Fire.

Docherty could return to Shrewsbury, where he played on loan last campaign, while Murphy could depart for either Stoke or Motherwell.