Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton believes Josh McPake's loan form hasn't been good enough to stake a first team claim at Ibrox - and reckons boss Gio van Bronckhorst will "get rid" of players that don't fit into his plans for next season.
Earlier this week it was revealed Rangers are ready to 'listen to offers' for the Coatbridge winger.
The 20-year-old, currently on loan at Tranmere Rovers in English League One, is not belived to be part of Ibrox manager Gio van Bronckhorst's long-term plans.
McPake, who signed a new deal with Rangers at the start of the season tying him to the club until 2024, has played just three minutes in the last six games under Micky Mellon's Rovers side, and that follows a disappointing spell with fellow League One outfit Morecambe last season.
Light Blues hero Hutton reckons the youngster hasn't hit the heights the club were hoping for and "time is running out" for him to break into Rangers' first-team plans.
However, he feels he could still come good.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton said: “There were high expectations for him coming through the ranks. He did eventually break into the first team.
“But he has had a lot of loan spells, I know he’s only 20. His one at Morecombe ended early because of fitness and lack of game time.
“It’s pretty much happened again at Tranmere.
"One goal in 13 appearances I don’t think is good enough for somebody that is supposed to have that sort of quality.
“The only thing that he has on his side is he still has two years left at Rangers.
"He doesn’t have to jump into anything quickly and make a rash decision.
“There’s still an opportunity for him to go and shine but he needs to grasp it with both hands. He is running out of time now.
“The manager, at the moment, is evaluating his whole squad.
"He’ll be sending scouts to go out and watch Josh McPake and everybody else.
“He will be looking to tie people down for next season. Does he see these guys fitting into his plan, his system, moving forward? If not, then he’s getting rid of them.
“He’s making that harsh decision. As a manager, that’s what you have to do to move the team forward.”
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