Rangers legend Arthur Numan has told under-performing Ibrox stars Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos to shape up or ship out. The Gers hero has accused the Light Blues stars of under-performing for his old team-mate Gio van Bronckhorst. And he argued that if the two contract rebels aren’t willing to pull their weight, they should make way for players who are.
Kent produced the daring run that led to Malik Tillman’s winner against Hearts in midweek but Numan reckons the £7million wing ace has failed to produce that quality on a regular basis this term. And he also took aim at Morelos, branding the Colombian’s displays this season a “disappointment”. The Dutchman said: “Frankly, I want to see more from the squad. I don't think they have been producing the goods often enough this season.
“Ryan Kent played very well against Hearts. He looked like his old self, showing excellent close control and dribbling past opposition players. He should be doing that every week. Producing the goods once in every five or six games isn't acceptable at a club the size of Rangers.
“I hope he goes again on Saturday and produces a performance that takes us to an important three points. I also want to see more from Alfredo Morelos. When he's been available for selection this season, his contribution hasn't been good enough. For a striker with such talent, he has been a disappointment. Thank goodness the team has had Antonio Colak in this campaign to get the goals.
“Alfredo and Ryan are out of contract in the summer. They can sign a pre-contract with another at the start of January. Maybe they will stay at Rangers and sign new deals. I've no idea what the situation is with any talks that may or not be going on.
“However, what I do know is that whether they stay or move on, they should be looking to show more. They should be looking to produce the goods for the football club, the supporters, the manager and for themselves. When I was coming to the end of my contract at Rangers in 2003 and knew I wouldn't be signing another one, I didn't down tools and go through the motions.
“No, I was more determined than ever to give my all for the jersey and for everyone at Rangers to have positive memories of my contribution to the club. We went on and won the Treble that season and it was just incredible for everyone. I was so happy and so proud. At this moment, this is a vital period for everyone and Giovanni needs every player on board and giving 100 percent. If anyone in the squad is not willing to do that they should stand aside.”
Van Bronckhorst found himself in the firing line after his side sank seven points behind Premiership leaders Celtic after losing to St Johnstone in Perth. And Numan fears a repeat of that display against the McDiarmid men when they head along the M8 to face St Mirren this lunchtime risks seeing the Hoops romp ahead further into the distance.
Writing in his 5Stars column, the former Ibrox left-back said: “When things aren't going to plan, it's important for everyone to stay calm and show cool heads and intelligent minds. The Rangers board showed this in the wake of the disappointing 2-1 defeat at St Johnstone last Sunday. A lot of supporters wanted Giovanni sacked there and then. I didn't agree with that viewpoint.
“He deserved to be in charge for the game against Hearts and we managed to get a 1-0 victory. The manager and the players showed the necessary patience required to get an important three points and a clean sheet. We now move to a difficult away game at St Mirren. It's a game we should win to make sure we stay in touch with Celtic at the top of the table. But if the players go to Paisley with the same attitude as we had at Perth last weekend, we will not get a win.”
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