Matt Grimes has opened up on a tough January period for Morgan Whittaker amid speculation with a move to Rangers.
The Swansea City attacker spent the first half of the campaign in England's League One with Plymouth and was really impressive in The Pilgrims' push to return to the second tier. They currently sit second in the table after a weekend defeat to title rivals Sheffield Wednesday with Whittaker netting nine times in 25 league outings before his return to his parent club.
His form alerted the Light Blues to the 22-year-old with Michael Beale revealing that only one bid was made from the Ibrox side and that was booted out. The Rangers boss hailed him as the 'most eye-catching player' in the third tier and wished him all the best. Now his skipper has opened up on his team-mate and the tough time he endured.
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He said: "He was fantastic at Plymouth, I watched him a few times. He’s been fantastic and he’s come back eager and hungry to succeed.
"It was a real tough time for him. I’ve said to him that if he does what he did at Plymouth here then his name is being spoken about as a Championship proven player."
Speaking about Whittaker on the eve of deadline day, the Rangers boss said: "There was just one bid that went in that got rejected. There’s been a lot of hot air around the situation. I think he’s a boy they like, that’s why they brought him back from Plymouth.
"They’ve obviously got their plans with him. I thought he was the most eye-catching player in League One this season and he’s gone back to Swansea, they’re probably looking at the league table and thinking he’s a valuable asset. There’s no problem with at, he’s a good player and I wish him and Swansea well."
Rangers brought in two players during the January window in the shape of Todd Cantwell from Norwich City and Standard Liege midfielder Nicolas Raskin.
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