In a rather strange quirk of the January window, one of Rangers’ fellow Scottish Premiership clubs lost arguably their star performer, brought in a replacement, and then ended up welcoming that aforementioned star performer back a few weeks later anyway.
Does any club in the whole of Scotland’s top-flight have a better selection of left-backs than Tony Docherty’s Dundee? Celtic’s Greg Taylor is the finest in the country but Brendan Rodgers is short of alternatives following the departure of Alexandro Bernabei.
Rangers, meanwhile, have sorely missed Ridvan Yilmaz during his injury-enforced absence, Borna Barisic a shadow of his old self on the wrong side of 30. It is no secret that Rangers attempted to bring Owen Beck to Ibrox in January, Liverpool blocking their approach following Andy Robertson’s own injury concerns before sending him back for a second spell at Dundee prior to the window closing.
But, according to former Dens forward Tam McManus, Philippe Clement’s title-chasers could also do a lot worse than to take a look at the man Dundee brought in between Liverpool’s re-calling of Beck and his subsequent return.
Rangers tipped for Owen Dodgson move
“I like the left-back, Dodgson,” McManus tells PLZ Soccer of the Burnley loanee. “He’s been excellent. I think Celtic and Rangers should be looking at him.
“The two games I’ve seen him, against both Celtic and Rangers, I thought he was really really good.”
With Beck unavailable due to a groin problem, Dodgson stepped up during Rangers’ trip to Dens Park last week and excelled, helping Docherty’s side keep Clement’s team at arms’ length during a tense 0-0 draw.
Dodgson, who represented Manchester United at youth level, had previous loan spells at Rochdale and Barnsley. But it is in Scotland where has shown the most promise.
Clement may need Borna Barisic replacement
“I am absolutely delighted to get Owen Dodgson through the door,” Docherty said after agreeing a deal for the Lancaster-born 21-year-old four months ago. “He is a good young footballer, who Burnley have very high hopes for.
“I think he will fit in very well with our system. He is a competent defender but he is great at going forward. What he’s got is a fantastic delivery, and he chips in with assists.”
Rangers will be in the market for a left-back this summer, Barisic’s contract expiring and a move to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor reportedly closing in on a deal for the soon-to-be free-agent.
It would not be a surprise to see The Gers re-ignite their interest in Beck – included in the Premiership’s Team of the Year – while Jefte Vital of Fluminense also remains under consideration.
