Kyle Lafferty says Rangers’ Ryan Kent could be better than Eden Hazard

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Glasgow Rangers brought back Ryan Kent to Ibrox on a permanent basis on the final day of the transfer window.

Kyle Lafferty has told the Daily Record that he told Ryan Kent during their time together at Rangers that the winger could be even better than Eden Hazard as Steven Gerrard celebrates bringing the youngster back to Ibrox on a permanent basis.

In comments reported by the Daily Record at the weekend, Gerrard had played down talk of Kent returning. But it appears that there was a breakthrough in talks, with BBC Sport reporting that the Gers had signed the 22-year-old from Liverpool in a £7 million deal.

The news is bound to excite the Ibrox faithful who watched Kent make massive strides in his development last season, as he became something of a talisman for the Light Blues, particularly when Gerrard’s men needed something to happen from nothing.

And Lafferty – who played alongside Kent last season – shared how highly he rated the Englishman and expressed his shock at the Gers managing to bring him back for a second spell.

“After one game last season I spoke to Ryan in the showers. People were raving about Eden Hazard and his ability to know what he’s going to do before the ball comes to him,” he told the Daily Record. “I said to Kenty, ‘Mate, you could be as good as him, if not better’.”

“It’s crazy to think he’s back. This is the biggest and most significant signing of the season,” he went on to add.

“Ryan’s in the top three of the best I’ve played with and I’ve had Dybala and Belotti as team-mates. I’m more than happy to say that as he provides something special.”

It is a huge statement of intent from Rangers to spend £7 million on one signing, especially as he is developing and improving. But Lafferty’s comments clearly show that the striker is confident that he will be worth the money.

It will now be interesting to see how Kent responds to the pressure. He coped well when it became clear in the latter stages of the season that he was becoming the player that Rangers were turning to when things were not going to plan, so perhaps it will not be a big surprise if he thrives on being Gerrard’s most expensive signing.