Rangers midfielder Stephen Kelly has performed pretty well during his year-long loan spell at Ross County this season.
The 21-year-old racked up 29 appearances in all competitions, making 20 starts in total, and supporters on Twitter have been discussing whether he merits a place in Steven Gerrard’s squad next season, along with fellow loanee Kai Kennedy:
Kelly I would have in the squad. See if you can get 10-15 appearances would do him world of good
— Sim (@SimonPa98332278) May 19, 2021
All the people talking about signing Lewis Ferguson & we’ve got Stephen Kelly simmering away nicely in his development. Get him in amongst the squad and learning from Davis.
— JB (@JordanBrogan__) May 19, 2021
Kelly is a better footballer than Ferguson… Maybe doesn’t have the physicality that Ferguson has but the boy is a big talent, its the reason Gerrard gave him a new deal last year.
— Darren (@DarrenGK55) May 19, 2021
We 100% need a top midfielder signed but I can see Kelly being around the squad. Kennedy maybe needs a loan at a prem club next season
— Peter Adam (@petera1872) May 19, 2021
I’d give Kelly Zungus place in the squad.
— Mandalawriean (@IamtheLaw_rie) May 19, 2021
Kelly definitely deserves a chance to be in our midfield rotation, Kennedy will struggle to get minutes so another loan spell
— Nacho Man (@NachoMan___) May 19, 2021
Kelly’s loan couldn’t have gone much better but most likely time to sell. Kennedy looks to have big potential but a loan to an SPFL team makes most sense
— Del (@derekbb2020) May 20, 2021
I think Stephen Kelly should be given an opportunity in an around the squad while Davis is still here, who better to learn from and define your game
— CMU55AY (@cammurray1968) May 20, 2021
Kelly has definitely gained valuable experience playing in the Scottish Premiership, which will hold him in good stead for the future, but whether that is enough to deserve game time for Rangers, it is debatable.
The club have ambitions of qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League and Gerrard will be keen to build a squad capable of fighting on all fronts.
A replacement for Bongani Zungu is almost certainly being looked at, but it would be a big surprise if the Light Blues look in-house to add to their numbers. Reports suggest that a move for Aberdeen’s Lewis Ferguson is likely, although it appears some supporters feel Kelly would be a better option.