The Rangers striker only played 71 minutes since Steven Gerrard brought him to Ibrox.
The Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed that Umar Sadiq must improve every aspect of his game if he is to break into his first team plans at Ibrox.
Sadiq has played just 71 minutes since joining Rangers on loan from AS Roma in the summer transfer window and has failed to feature in a matchday squad since August.
Speaking after his side’s 4-0 win against Ayr United in midweek, Gerrard challenged the Nigerian to “come to the party” after fellow strikers Alfredo Morelos (suspended) and Kyle Lafferty (cup-tied) were ruled out of next month’s Scottish League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
Expanding on those comments at Rangers’ pre-Livingston press conference earlier today (Friday), the 38-year-old said: “Competition for places is very tough all over the pitch, not just in the number nine position.
“But (Sadiq has) got to fight. He’s a young boy, he’s settled in well enough. I think everyone at Rangers has done everything they can. I think the fans have got behind him.
“But the reality is, there’s no secrets, in any position you have to fight to show myself and the staff that you’re worthy of game minutes. It can’t just be given to you, not at a club like this.
“So it’s over to Umar. The ball’s in his court. He has the chance and the opportunity to impress all of us on a daily basis. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work out he’s going to have to improve if he is to earn some game time.”
Asked about Sadiq’s chances of facing Aberdeen, Gerrard warned that he is ready to play without a recognised striker if the 21-year-old fails to improve.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” he said. “But just because he’s one of the number nines that we’ve got and two of them are not available doesn’t mean he’s going to play or feature – you have to earn the right.”
And what is it that Sadiq must improve, in the eyes of his manager? “Everything.”
Can Sadiq turn around his Rangers career?
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