Kent joined Rangers on a season-long loan in the summer.
Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe has told the Liverpool Echo that he believes Ryan Kent’s excellent form for Rangers this season is deserving of a chance in the Reds’ senior side – hinting that a permanent deal may be out of the question.
Kent, 22, joined Rangers on loan until the end of the season, teaming up with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. Kent had previously been sent on loan to Bristol City, Barnsley and German side Freiburg.
He has since become a crucial member in Rangers’ side, scoring four goals and creating three more in assists. But it is his creativity and direct approach that has seen Ibrox fans applaud their fleet-footed loanee.
Inglethorpe has been watching the England Under-20 cap’s form from afar, and has been seriously impressed by Kent’s efforts with the Light Blues. He believes Kent, and Harry Wilson – on loan at Derby – will get a chance in the first team.
“Steven is really pleased with him,” Inglethorpe said. It’s a slightly different sort of loan for Ryan. His previous loans have been with underdogs who have found it harder to get wins. That meant he learned a lot about defending.
“Now he’s playing at Ibrox in front of 50,000 passionate Rangers fans and that presents a different challenge. You get a lot more of the ball and there’s a bigger emphasis on how he breaks down defences and how he attacks.
“It’s been a really positive season so far for Harry and Ryan. I’m not suggesting they are going to be automatic first-team players but it looks like they are at least warranting an audition at some stage. They have done themselves no harm.”
If Kent is to be given the chance to return to Liverpool, it means Rangers may not have the chance to land the impressive winger on a permanent basis – despite Kent stating he would like to remain at Ibrox (Mail).
His best moment in a Light Blues shirt came when Rangers finally beat Celtic for the first time since regaining promotion to the Scottish Premiership. Kent fooled Celtic right-back Mikael Lustig, before teeing up Ryan Jack for the only goal.
Kent could feature on Wednesday night in the Scottish Cup as the Gers travel to face Cowdenbeath, but he is likely to be rested. Rangers take on St. Mirren on Saturday at Ibrox.
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