'Great Story' - Pundit delighted as 'Excellent' Rangers ace handed unexpected 2nd chance

Liam Kelly’s return to Rangers is a “great story” after the former academy product re-signed at Ibrox during the transfer window, according to Derek Ferguson.

The 28-year-old re-joined the club this summer on a free transfer after leaving Motherwell, having never featured for the Gers first team before his original departure six years ago.

He admitted he couldn’t say no to the opportunity to come back to where he started because he never thought he’d get the chance [Rangers Review, 13 July].

And Ferguson is pleased to see the former Gers stopper return after “excellent” form at Fir Park, likening it to his own former Ibrox and Hearts teammate’s “unbelievable” second opportunity, even if there is no argument that Jack Butland remains first choice.

“It’s a great story,” he said, speaking exclusively to Ibrox News.

“I played with a big boy called Dave McPherson. I left Rangers and went to Hearts and so did he.

“And he got the opportunity to go back and play. A lot of the time when you leave the club you don’t think that opportunity’s going to come up.

“So for big Davey that was unbelievable, and that was under Walter Smith, so for Liam Kelly to get that opportunity…

“It’s brilliant because you look at how it was The Goalie [Andy Goram], it was [Allan] McGregor, he played under, these guys [were] top, top players. 

“So what I liked about him, he went out, went down to England, played for QPR, at Motherwell he was excellent.

“We all know he’s not going to be playing if Jack’s fit, he’s going to be playing second fiddle to him, that’s a no-brainer.”

Liam Kelly backs up Jack Butland after Rangers return

Kelly’s signing provided Philippe Clement with a proven Scottish Premiership performer to fill the number two role after Robby McCrorie made clear he wanted to leave.

The now-Kilmarnock man may have taken notice of the return himself after never getting a clear opportunity in his first run with the Light Blues.

And it demonstrates a pathway for those who don’t quite make it when coming through the youth set-up originally that building a strong career elsewhere can keep the door open to a second chance at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, a confirmed Lawrence Shankland transfer offer update has emerged from Hearts.

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