Sadiq failed to impress during Rangers’ semi-final defeat to Aberdeen.
Frank McAvennie has told Open Goal’s Right In The Coupon that Umar Sadiq has failed to adapt to Scottish football after his frustrating display for Rangers in their Scottish League Cup semi-final loss to Aberdeen.
The 21-year-old has been frozen out by Steven Gerrard for much of the 2018-19 campaign after joining the club on loan from AS Roma in the summer, previously managing just 26 minutes of football this season.
However, with Alfredo Morelos banned and Kyle Lafferty cup tied, six-time Nigeria international Sadiq was thrown in at the deep end by Gerrard at Hampden Park in the semi-final. Lewis Ferguson’s goal put Aberdeen into the final.
Celtic icon McAvennie discussed Sadiq’s failure to impress last Sunday, and delivered a damning verdict on whether Sadiq will be given another chance in a Light Blue shirt.
“Listen, it’s one of them,” McAvennie said. “Scottish football, he’s simply not adapted to it, whether it’s the weather or people snapping his ankles. He’s just finding his feet.
“As a striker, it annoys me when people go down. If you can stay on your feet and score, why would you want to do it. Somebody else would be taking the penalty anyway. “
Sadiq was dropped by Gerrard for Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock, as Lafferty and Morelos returned to the side. It remains to be seen if Sadiq will be included in the 18-man squad for Saturday’s trip to St. Mirren.
Rangers desperately need a win to regenerate some momentum under Gerrard, with Celtic now four points ahead and sitting in second while The Gers remain in fourth.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
