New Rangers duo Scott Wright and Jack Simpson have a chance to convince Steven Gerrard that the future is now

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard regarded the pre-contract agreements struck with Scott Wright and Jack Simpson last week as part of plans to future-proof his squad.
Scott Wright agreed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers on January 25 but manager Steven Gerrard was always keen to push through a deal for the Aberdeen player before the winter transfer window closed. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)Scott Wright agreed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers on January 25 but manager Steven Gerrard was always keen to push through a deal for the Aberdeen player before the winter transfer window closed. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)
Scott Wright agreed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers on January 25 but manager Steven Gerrard was always keen to push through a deal for the Aberdeen player before the winter transfer window closed. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)

By bringing the arrival of both players forward by four months, with deals set to be struck with Aberdeen and Bournemouth respectively ahead of the winter transfer window closing at midnight, Gerrard’s forward planning has gathered even greater momentum.

Attacking midfielder Wright, 23, and 24-year-old central defender Simpson will now try and make their mark in the second half of this season.

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But while the duo will give Gerrard fresh options sooner than he originally anticipated, the greatest value of their earlier recruitment is the extra time it provides for them to settle into their new surroundings, absorb the style of football the Ibrox boss preaches and understand the demands he will place on them.

Wright and Simpson are joining a squad which is currently a well-oiled machine with every part functioning smoothly and reliably.

It won’t be easy for either player to earn game time with a side already 23 points clear at the top of the Premiership and ambitious for further progress in the Europa League where they face a round of 32 tie against Belgian side Antwerp this month.

But having already convinced Gerrard of their potential from afar, Wright and Simpson now have an opportunity to impress the former Liverpool and England captain on a daily basis in training.

It remains likely that both will have to wait until the 2021/22 campaign for the chance of regular first team action. The chance is there, however, for them to persuade Gerrard the future is now.

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