'Keep Him' - Pundit View: 'Absolutely Top Draw' Rangers ace will not leave Ibrox

Rabbi Matondo has shown enough so far in his Rangers career to be worth keeping this summer, believes Derek Ferguson.

The Welsh winger is one of so many who have been signed at Ibrox in recent seasons and never been able to establish themselves thanks to repeated injury absences, with Rangers Reviews’ Chris Jack reporting on 10 June that there were “potentially doubts” over his future in Philippe Clement’s squad.

But Ferguson believes that as an impact substitute the 23-year-old has shown what he can do, with his stunning Old Firm derby equaliser in stoppage time on 7 April the clearest example, if he is content to remain in that role moving forward.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News: “He’s an impact player. I think any time he’s come on in a game he’s affected it. 

“You remember that goal he scored against Celtic, it was absolutely top drawer at Ibrox.

“But he’s like a lot of wingers, he blows hot and cold. It’s not just about the first XI in the modern day game, it’s about a squad.

“If he could come on for the last half-hour, with that pace that he’s got, and that quality that he’s got to win you a game of football that’s what you want.

“But again with Matondo, does he want to be starting games? These are all the things that we are not privy to, all these conversations that go on between the manager and the player.

“If he was happy to play that part, coming on with half an hour or 20 minutes to go to win you games, that might be the best thing for everyone.

“He’s been decent. At times you think we’ve got a real player here but then he’s off it a little bit.

“If he can be used in a certain way why not keep him?”

Oscar Cortes and Ross McCausland in Rangers wide group

The strike against Celtic coming just a week after a similarly impressive goal in a victory over Hibs was a hint of what Matondo could be for Clement at Ibrox.

A deal to bring Oscar Cortes back has boosted the wide options, and if hints that Abdallah Sima could return as well prove accurate there will be a fight for others to get a look in on the wings, with youngster Ross McCausland also in the mix.

Scott Wright appears to finally be on his way [Sunday Mail, 29 June] and Alex Lowry has become a forgotten man, but with two years left on his contract there may be enough for Matondo to be given another chance, having also seen winter exit links dismissed [Scottish Sun, 30 January], although any sort of reasonable cash offer would no doubt be considered.

In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist has issued a Lawrence Shankland to Ibrox verdict during the transfer window.

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The post 'Keep Him' - Pundit View: 'Absolutely Top Draw' Rangers ace will not leave Ibrox appeared first on Ibrox News.