Rangers' Ridvan Yilmaz 'in a much better place' as Turk's future discussed amid loan speculation

Ridvan Yilmaz has made just three appearanes for Rangers since making a summer move from Besiktas. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

The Turk was signed last summer for a reported £5 million fee from Besiktas but has been used sparingly since. He has featured just four times and perhaps significantly, last started a game in the previous round of the competition against Queen of the South in August.

Describing Yilmaz as “in a much better place” compared to when he arrived, Van Bronckhost said he was “close” to returning to the first team.

He also urged those who are sceptical about him making an impact to consider the challenge of moving abroad at such a young age.

“I am happy with his development,” said the Ibrox manager. “When he came he had to adapt to a new team, to living abroad. He is still young so it takes a little bit more time for him to be comfortable. But you can see a difference between the Ridvan who came and the Ridvan at the moment.”

In addition to the demands of settling into life in a new country, the 21-year old’s hopes of establishing himself in the first team have been further dashed by the form of Borna Barisic, who has been a mainstay at left back.

Van Bronckhorst made veiled reference to Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, who is still finding his feet at Anfield.

“How many players do you see who sign for £70m or £80m who take time to adapt to their clubs?" he asked. "Every time we have players who need time to adapt it seems to be considered a problem. It is not a problem.

“It is different to (the case of) Tom Lawrence or Rabbi Matondo. They are used to living in the UK. He needs to adapt to his new teammates, to a new playing style, new tactics.

“But, as I said, he’s much closer now to playing and to starting than he was a couple of months ago. So for me there is no debate about loaning him out or anything. Nothing.”