The Ross County forward impressed at Ibrox as Rangers were held to a draw at home.
Rangers fans can at least take one measly crumb of comfort from Saturday’s dismal draw with Ross County, a result which drops Mark Warburton’s side down to third in the table. Joe Garner, after over a month on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, lasted 63 minutes on his return to first-team duties at Ibrox.
Not that the former Preston hit man added much of an edge to a toothless Rangers side. Garner may have earned the affection of some supporters thanks to his hard-work and passionate passion but his lengthening goal drought will surely begin to test their patience.
It is now 11 games since he last found the back of the net in the league while his overall tally stands at three in 19.
That is ten fewer goals than Liam Boyce, Ross County’s talisman, has managed in just two games more. One of the finest all-round attackers in the Scottish Premiership, the Northern Irishman delivered a line-leading masterclass at Ibrox, his excellent combination play and stirring defensive contribution helping the Staggies to a much-deserved point.
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And the stylistic similarities with Rangers’ own centre forward are impossible to ignore.
In fact, Boyce has averaged almost a goal a game across the last three top flight seasons and, on the evidence of Saturday’s 1-1 draw, even the most ardent Garner supporter may have glanced at the opposite end of the pitch with a tinge of jealousy.
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Because Boyce, who would surely command a much smaller fee than the £1.8 million Garner (Daily Record) despite being three years his junior, would appear the ideal fit for Rangers’ front line. Which is more than can be said for the struggling Englishman at the moment.
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