'Dispirited' Dujon Sterling has NOT been effective for Rangers so far this season.
That's the view of pundit Michael Stewart.
The versatile defender last week signed a contract extension with the Scottish Premiership champions until the summer of 2028.
A right-back by trade, fans have seen Sterling played at left-back, centre-mid and right-wing.
Philippe Clement has mostly turned to the ex-Chelsea man from his substitutes bench so far this season. His last start came in a League Cup win over Dundee last month.
Sterling enjoyed a good debut campaign at Ibrox last season, but the rate of his progression has slowed down somewhat so far this term, with regular starts harder to come by.
Stewart has no doubts about Sterling's abilities as a player.
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However, the former Hearts and Hibs midfielder believes he's looked out of sorts when coming off the bench in each of Rangers' last four matches.
"I wouldn’t agree that Sterling has been really effective when he’s come on this season," hee told The Scottish Football Social Club. "To me, he looks dispirited a little bit because he’s obviously not playing as much.
"I’m not saying that he’s looking terrible, because he’s not. But for me, you've got to find somewhere in the team for him. He, on his game, is a player that Rangers can't afford to have out of the team.
"So you've got to try and get him up to speed and get him in the team somewhere and it may well be that it's in the centre of that midfield because he brings energy, dynamism and he's got that awareness of filling in, tackling and giving a bit of bite. If he's not in there, you don't really have a physical presence."
