Rangers winger Glenn Middleton returns to Ibrox hoping for a reprieve for his Gers career following an impressive loan stint with double cup winners St. Johnstone – and a quirk of Champions League registration rules could help the winger’s Light Blues hopes.
Middleton has been out of the first-team picture for the last two seasons, depsite his impressive form in Steven Gerrard’s first season at Ibrox, and the Scotland under-21 star is looking to push on when he returns for pre-season training with his Rangers team-mates.
With the Light Blues set to return to the Champions League this season, Middleton could end up taking advantage of UEFA’s homegrown player rules to snag a place in the squad.
Clubs need to register a total of eight homegrown players in their 25-man A list for European competitions or leave spaces free on the list if they can’t meet their quote.
Of that eight, four must have been trained at the club for three years between 15 and 21 while the other four must have been trained within the same national association.
With three-and-a-half years under his belt as a Rangers player now, Middleton should now count as a club-trained player for Steven Gerrard’s side.
Last season, only Allan McGregor qualified as club trained, meaning the Gers had to leave three spots empty on the A list to comply with UEFA’s rules.
Rangers winger has impressed when given the chance for Gerrard’s side
Middleton has impressed in the past for Rangers in the Europa League, scoring away to Spartak Moscow in the group stages of the competition.
With spaces in Gerrard’s European squad at a premium, the inclusion of Middleton would offer something a bit different for the Light Blues in attack.
His versatility could also see him used as an emergency left-back if need be, and by taking up one of the spots in the squad that are likely to be left empty otherwise, it could well open the door for Middleton to be kept at Ibrox this coming season and given the chance to prove he belongs at Rangers long-term.
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