Andy Halliday says it would be unforgivable to let Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos leave the club next summer on a free.
The key Rangers duo are in the final 12 months of their current Ibrox deals and are yet to come to an agreement on fresh terms with Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men. It's been a difficult start to the season for the former Liverpool man with ex-Light Blues midfielder and current Hearts star Halliday admitting the looks 'devoid of confidence'.
He was a loan arrival from Liverpool under Steven Gerrard before the now Aston Villa boss shelled out £7million to bring him in permanently. He's often the man for the big occasion and showed his worth during the Europa League run to Seville last season, but this term he has struggled for form and is yet to find the back of the net.
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox
READ MORE: Celtic and Rangers title comparison made by Neil Lennon as he makes 'very competitive' Cyprus claim
Morelos has had his own issues this term but his goal record speaks for itself. Again, he has often produced on the big European nights and is a fans' favourite. He looks to have knuckled down since being dropped for the PSV Champions League qualifier as he bids to recapture his regular starting role from summer recruit Antonio Colak - who has been on fire for the Ibrox men.
Halliday is convinced the key duo have done enough over the last few years to merit new deals - despite the struggles of late - and with recruitment at the club under the microscope recently he says it would be 'unforgivable' to let them walk away for free at the end of the season.
He told Clyde Superscoreboard : "I don't think there is a bigger defender of Ryan Kent over the last two or three years, but lately he just looks devoid of confidence for me. On Saturday it's the first time I watched him and thought that these mistakes seem to be affecting him.
"Whether it's getting on the ball, being direct or just being the Ryan Kent we have seen before, he has just fallen short of being that player. Under Gerrard when Kent played the inside forward role, nine times out of ten Borna Barisic would be on the overlap.
"I feel like Borna Barisic is almost on a leash as well. Anytime Rangers are attacking it's quite often crosses from deep, and it's easy to double up on Ryan Kent.
"It's not an excuse for him. He still needs to play a lot better than he is.
"I am certainly on the boat that I would be looking to tie the two of them down (Morelos and Kent) on a contract, though. The form isn't great but they have done enough over the last few years.
"They have done enough and had enough success over the last few years. There has been a lot said about Rangers recruitment, and I think if you let those two go for free it would be unforgivable."
READ NEXT:
- Rangers' summer transfer policy questioned as Celtic comparison made by Ibrox hero
- Former Rangers star Greg Stewart nets Mumbai City hat-trick and earns 'magic Scotsman' tag
- Rangers starlet Alex Lowry 'progressing well' as B team boss David McCallum gives injury update
- Rangers skipper James Tavernier targeted by Ajax as part of Daley Blind dummy video
- Rangers star Tom Lawrence's Wales latest addressed by Rob Page after solid start at Ibrox