Rangers midfielder John Lundstram arrived at Ibrox this summer amid much hype and expectation but so far the former Sheffield United star’s early Gers career resembles that of the last Scouse midfielder to cross the border – Joey Barton.
The midfielder was badly at fault for goals against Malmo and Dundee United before his red card against Alashkert left Rangers up against it at Ibrox in their Europa League playoff clash.
While Lundstram’s blushes were spared last night by Alfredo Morelos’ 25th European goal for Rangers, the Englishman looks very much a player who is out of his depth at Ibrox.
His early performances at Rangers were always going to carry the risk that the Liverpudlian would take some time to get up to speed but the way he’s sauntering through games is eerily reminiscent of Joey Barton’s lackadaisical attitude while he was a Rangers player.
A summer spent doing everything other than preparing for his Rangers move – as well as an assumption he would stroll Scottish football – saw Barton head back to England with his tail between his legs months after his arrival.
So far, it is hard to see Lundstram’s Rangers career going any differently.
His two yellow cards against Alashkert were nothing short of ridiculous given the silly nature of both, with the second booking the sort of thing you’d roast a young player for never mind one who has experience in the Premier League.
Rangers fans were warned by Blades counterparts
When Lundstram’s move to Rangers was confirmed, it was almost as well-received by Sheffield United fans as it was the Gers support and it is clear to see why now.
Fans of the Steel City site were releived to see him move on after ‘downing tools’ last season as he tried to force a move away from Bramall Lane.
The former Blades midfielder has had one of the poorest starts of a Rangers player in recent memory and it is difficult to see a way back for him after his latest shambolic performance.
Lundstram doesn’t have to look hard to see that his Rangers career is now at a a crossroads less than two months in – but it is whether he follows the path of Borna Barisic and revitalises his Ibrox future or joins the likes of Jordan Jones and torpedoes his spell north of the border before it even really begins.
With a ban for the second leg of the Europa League playoff with Alashkert, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Lundstram doesn’t appear this weekend against Ross County.
The arrival of Juninho Bacuna and the emergence of Stephen Kelly will add competition for places in midfield but, on recent performances, Lundstram is at the back of the queue.
And he’s going to have to do a helluva lot to prove fans wrong and convince them he’s not another highly-paid Premier League water-carrier who thinks they can stroll it at Rangers.
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