Rangers will open their Europa League campaign away at Villarreal on Thursday.
The fact that Umar Sadiq is already having to field questions about his future at Rangers reflects just how disappointing things have been so far for the on-loan Roma striker.
The 21-year-old Nigerian arrived at Ibrox in July but has made just three appearances for Steven Gerrard’s first-team so far, including 11 minutes in the Scottish Premiership against Kilmarnock.
And Sadiq has already been forced to play down suggestions that he could see his temporary spell in Glasgow cut short.
“It’s too soon to talk about movements,” the rangy striker told All Nigeria Soccer. “I am here to play football and I know it won’t be easy. It’s a privilege to work with a living legend like Steven Gerrard.
“I’m working hard in trainings and we’re doing the right things. It’s just too early to talk about leaving. Let’s just see how the future turns out.”
Fortunately for Sadiq, however, he could be handed the chance he has been waiting for on Thursday. Alfredo Morelos will be absent from Rangers’ first Europa League game in seven years thanks to his sending off against FC Ufa in the final qualifying round.
This means Sadiq has a chance to make his mark in the Colombian’s absence when Rangers make that tricky trip to Spain to take on Villarreal. Lafferty could get the nod to lead the line, but Sadiq’s speed and directness could cause problems for a home defence that is lacking pace if he comes off the bench to make an impact.
If Sadiq impresses on the Castellon coast, this could be the turning point in his Rangers career.
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