Scott Arfield’s solid Rangers display timely as Graham Dorrans lurks

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Scott Arfield was arguably one of Glasgow Rangers’ better players as the Ibrox side suffered their first defeat of the season.

Had Rangers fans been asked before the season began which summer signing they would expect to prove to be the best addition to Steven Gerrard’s squad this season, it is likely that many would have said Scott Arfield.

Arfield arrived at Ibrox with a wealth of Premier League experience under his belt and he is still at an age where he could potentially enjoy several of the best years of his career with the Gers.

But heading into Rangers’ first Old Firm game of the season at the weekend, it was perhaps fair to suggest that the Ibrox faithful were yet to see the best of the 29-year-old.

It may not have been a performance that the Canada international will want to remember for too long, but it was the kind of display from him personally that will give plenty of Rangers supporters encouragement as Arfield was arguably one of the Gers’ better performers in the narrow defeat.

The former Burnley ace was unable to get up the pitch much, but was making some very good defensive contributions as the Light Blues were pushed back.

And perhaps, it would be fair to say that it was a display that proved timely given one comment that Steven Gerrard made after the game.

As reported the club’s official website, Gerrard hinted that Graham Dorrans could be back available after the international break after missing several weeks with injury.

It would be a big boost for the Gers to have Dorrans back. Although some of the fans are starting to struggle to rely on the midfielder – he has spent much of his time since joining Rangers last summer on the sidelines – he is the kind of player who could make a big impact if he can find his best form.

And with Ryan Jack proving to be one of the stars of the season for Gerrard’s men, Arfield’s place was perhaps under threat in the middle of the park if the manager decided to give Dorrans a chance.

But with Arfield’s encouraging display at Parkhead at the weekend, perhaps it would be fair to say that the summer signing has potentially done enough to ensure that Dorrans could have to wait a little longer to make his first start since May once he is back available.