The Rangers winger has only appeared once for Steven Gerrard’s side since Boxing Day at Ibrox.
Of the 38 games Rangers played prior to the winter break, Glenn Middleton appeared in 25.
But in the four games since then, Middleton has featured on just one occasion – an SFA Cup win against Cowdenbeath in which he made a 23-minute-long cameo.
On Sunday, the young Ibrox winger found himself demoted to Rangers’ Under-20s – playing and scoring in a 5-1 win against Queens Park – and he starts the reserves’ fixture against Morton this afternoon, casting doubt over his involvement against Aberdeen later on.
So why is Middleton suddenly out of favour? The Rangers manager, Steven Gerrard, has given few clues on that of late.
But having provided a goal or assist every two-and-a-half outings this season [a ratio bettered by no other Rangers winger this season], Middleton’s own form is probably not to blame.
Gerrard did, however, express some concern when the teenager was called into Scotland’s Under-21 squad last November. “It’s very important that Scotland look after him,” he told the Gers’ official website.
“He’s got three games in 10 days which I’m very concerned about. I hope they show him the same care and attention that the people do at Ibrox.”
And with Ryan Kent currently showing the form of his Ibrox career to date, perhaps the simplest explanation is that Gerrard sees this as the perfect time to recharge Middleton’s batteries.
Should Rangers recall Middleton against Aberdeen?
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