Daniel Candeias’ exit can give Jake Hastie room to succeed at Rangers

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Can Jake Hastie translate his Motherwell form last season into Rangers success?

The confirmed departure of Daniel Candeias leaves a fairly large hole in Steven Gerrard’s team when you consider how the team shaped up last season.

The Portuguese winger made a massive 52 appearances in all competitions last term, starting on 44 occasions. He was Gerrard’s go-to guy on the right flank, able to find effective combinations with both James Tavernier and Alfredo Morelos.

Only the Rangers captain created more assists in the team across 2018/19, so Candeias did provide a contribution that needs replaced by someone at the club this season.

One candidate is new signing Jake Hastie who, while inexperienced, showed last season he is capable of making an impact in the Scottish Premiership.

The winger, who can play on both the left and right, burst on to the Motherwell scene last term with a period of form that had him on the radar of fans across the country as a potential signing.

Between January and April he scored seven goals before eventually dropping out of the side after putting pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement with Rangers.

With direct pace, an eye for goal and youthful confidence, the 20-year-old showed he has significant potential.

Clearly the recruitment team at Ibrox agree, wasting no time in signing him up at the Gers on a four-year deal.

In order to progress though he must be given chances and regular first-team action. The departure of Candeias could make that more of a reality.

Sheyi Ojo currently looks like Gerrard’s prime pick on the right side, with Greg Stewart also available.

However, all three players can play on either flank and now that the Portuguese is off to Turkey it will unlock more opportunities for those who remain.

Hastie is reported by The Daily Record to have been cut from the UEFA Europa League squad against Progres so right now he’s the spare man.

However, he could ultimately benefit most from playing the minutes that Candeias may have as a squad option over the next 12 months.

It’s on him to prove on the training ground he has what it takes to make it at Rangers, but if he can use the departure of the 31-year-old to play more matches than he would have and take his chances, Gerrard could have an exciting option on his hands.