'Dispirited' Dujon Sterling has NOT been effective for Rangers so far this season.
That's the view of pundit Michael Stewart.
The versatile defender last week signed a contract extension with the Scottish Premiership champions until the summer of 2028.
A right-back by trade, fans have seen Sterling played at left-back, centre-mid and right-wing.
Philippe Clement has mostly turned to the ex-Chelsea man from his substitutes bench so far this season. His last start came in a League Cup win over Dundee last month.
Sterling enjoyed a good debut campaign at Ibrox last season, but the rate of his progression has slowed down somewhat so far this term, with regular starts harder to come by.
Stewart has no doubts about Sterling's abilities as a player.
Read more:
-
Watch as Steven Gerrard 'goes crazy' in furious touchline spat
-
'Soon' - Injured Rangers ace shares positive comeback update
However, the former Hearts and Hibs midfielder believes he's looked out of sorts when coming off the bench in each of Rangers' last four matches.
"I wouldn’t agree that Sterling has been really effective when he’s come on this season," hee told The Scottish Football Social Club. "To me, he looks dispirited a little bit because he’s obviously not playing as much.
"I’m not saying that he’s looking terrible, because he’s not. But for me, you've got to find somewhere in the team for him. He, on his game, is a player that Rangers can't afford to have out of the team.
"So you've got to try and get him up to speed and get him in the team somewhere and it may well be that it's in the centre of that midfield because he brings energy, dynamism and he's got that awareness of filling in, tackling and giving a bit of bite. If he's not in there, you don't really have a physical presence."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here