Alan Hutton believes Rangers need to deal in Scott Arfield for next season.
The Light Blues star is out of contract in the summer but his experience within the dressing room environment has been highlighted as one that 'fits the bill' due to knowing the demands at Ibrox. Michael Beale faces a number of big decisions this summer with the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor and Steven Davis also out of contract.
The Ibrox gaffer has publicly expressed his desire to retain former Liverpool attacker Kent and team-mate Ryan Jack. As things stand Rangers have NOT offered terms to any player who has a contract expiring in the summer but Arfield did send a timely reminder to his boss by climbing off the bench and netting in the Scottish Cup quarter-final win over Raith Rovers.
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He's popped up with big moments this season including his game-changing cameo at Pittodrie as Rangers struck twice in stoppage time to defeat Aberdeen in a five-goal thriller during Beale's early days in the dugout. Hutton accepts that the 34-year-old would not be a starter next season but he is that one player who gives something a 'little bit different' and is worthy of fresh terms for next campaign.
Hutton told Football Insider: “He will be a squad player. It is no sleight on him. He has done unbelievably well for Rangers and he is that one player that gives you something a little bit different, those runs from midfield in behind.
“He has come up with some important goals in big moments. So it does not surprise me that they are rewarding him with a new contract.
“If you look at some of the experienced players that will be leaving, I do not think it is a good idea to get rid of everybody. I think you need those guys within the dressing room who know what it is all about and he definitely fits that bill.
“So I am not really surprised that they want to keep hold of him.“
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