Ryan Kent must play for Rangers against Aberdeen and Celtic before the end of this month.
That's the viewpoint of Barry Ferguson.
The former Ibrox skipper doesn't care if the Englishman looks set to leave the club come the summer, he wants Michael Beale to play his best players available to him.
The 26-year-old's deal at Rangers expires come the end of the season and there's been no sign yet of the winger extending his stay.
Beale has made it no secret that he wants the ex-Liverpool academy product to stay put with him in Glasgow.
However, with the likes of Burnley and Leeds said to be interested, it remains to be seen where Kent will be plying his trade next term.
In the meantime, the Light Blues have some important games before the summer, namely next weekend in the Scottish Cup semi-finals against Celtic.
And Ferguson is adamant Kent must play, and Beale should not be listening to suggestions that he should be easing Kent out of his team.
He told the Daily Record: "If anything, sometimes winning like that up there feels even sweeter because you know how much these people don’t like you.
"We all know what it dates back to but over the years it’s become more and more ingrained in this fixture.
"Did I enjoy it? No. I loved it. To tell you the truth, I absolutely craved it. I didn’t need any extra motivation when I pulled that jersey over my head.
"But there was something about Pittodrie that made me even more determined than usual to get out of there with a result. Let’s just say it’s a long bus journey back down the road if you don’t.
"With all that in mind it will be interesting to see what team Beale sends out because after the win over St Mirren last week I’ve heard some discussions about whether or not this is the time to prepare for life without Ryan Kent.
"Kent wasn’t fit last weekend but in the end Rangers came away with five goals and an emphatic win. And yes, I’m starting to believe his time at the club is probably coming to an end.
"Having always thought he’d sign a new deal to stay beyond the end of the season, I’m starting to change my mind. I hope I’m wrong as he’s such a talented player and I think he comes in for a lot of unfair criticism.
"But it does now look as if he’ll be away in the summer and if that’s the case, I can understand why some fans would rather see him phased out of the starting line-up.
"But for the time being I also know that Rangers are a better team when Ryan Kent is in it. And that’s why I’m also sure Beale will want him in the side at both Pittodrie and Hampden."
