Rangers manager Steven Gerrard watched his side wrap up their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Real Madrid at Ibrox, with Cedric Itten scoring the winner for the Light Blues 15 minutes from the end – and Gerrard thinks the Swiss striker “looks ready” ahead of his second season in Scotland.
Itten showed real signs of promise during his debut campaign but failed to really show consistently that he can improve on the existing options already available to Rangers.
Following his move to Ibrox last summer, Itten made 38 appearances but only started 9 games for Steven Gerrard’s side.
Six goals and three assists was a decent return from him though and, without a consistent run of games to show what he can do, it has been hard for fans to really get a grasp of how good he could be.
After hitting his second goal of pre-season, Gerrard admitted that changes off the pitch have helped the former St. Gallen star settle in Scotland and feels his side can reap the rewards this term.
“He seems more settled in the city now that himself and his girlfriend can get about and socialise a bit more,” Gerrard told Rangers TV.
“You can see that in his training and performances. He has scored three goals and he certainly looks ready.”
Itten still faces a real fight for a starting place at Rangers
After an impressive pre-season, Itten has shown there’s still life to his Rangers career but the Swiss striker faces a fight to get into the starting XI.
Alfredo Morelos, Fashion Sakala, Kemar Roofe and Jermain Defoe will all be looking for a place in the side as the Gers look to defend their title and reach the group stage of the Champions League.
Sakala’s eye-catching start in yesterday’s win over Real Madrid will see the Zambian a popular choice to start v Livingston so it will be interesting to see just how Gerrard looks to set his side out.
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