Rangers were pretty poor in their 1-0 friendly defeat to Tranmere Rovers at the weekend, but midfielder Stephen Kelly was one of the few bright lights.
The 21-year-old impressed after coming on as a second-half substitute at Prenton Park and supporters on Twitter were keen to point out his performance after the game in their post-match analysis:
Liked Kelly reminded me if a young Barry ferguson
— Deathisanexit (@CraigSim) July 10, 2021
Thought wee steven kelly looked good again
— ST3V13G54RMY (@G54Rmy) July 10, 2021
Hate to say it but a can see alot going back on loan,young Kelly fits in well though
— mark (@mark_humey72) July 10, 2021
Most impressed with Kelly from what I have seen of him during pre season, surely he’s a squad player this season and potentially the player to replace Davis when that day comes?
— jason (@jason63103978) July 10, 2021
Kelly and Bassey looked good in the second half. No injuries and minutes for the players is the main thing.
— Conroy (@Conroy24948717) July 10, 2021
Kelly again was impressive , hoping he continues to get a good amount of game time in pre season , could save us a few £££?by becoming a regular and possible long term replacement for Davis etc
— FootballBoxingRugby (@boxing_rugby) July 10, 2021
Kelly did catch the eye despite playing in a struggling Ross County side last season during a loan spell and he has obviously come back to his parent club this summer having gained valuable experience.
However, it is one thing being able to do it in a friendly, and quite another when you are asked to perform in a competitive match. With Champions League qualifiers coming up very soon, it will be interesting to see whether Kelly is handed an opportunity or whether manager Steven Gerrard feels he isn’t quite ready to make the step up.
