Connor Goldson has been one of Rangers greatest servants of the modern era.
Of that there can be no debate.
The English centre-back, 31, has racked up over 300 appearances for the club since moving to Rangers during the Steven Gerrard revolution of 2018.
For sheer numbers, the £3.5m spent on the former Brighton defender has been amongst some of the best money spent at Ibrox but Connor Goldson has not been without his critics.
Whilst we can argue about the silverware, there is no doubt the club is in a much better place than when the ex-Shrewsbury centre-half first joined.
But with the defender now ruled out for the season, and those murmurs about a Gerrard reunion in Saudi Arabia sparking debate over his future, it appears Goldson’s time in Glasgow isn’t quite over yet.
Clement: Goldson focused on pre-season return
Speaking after the devastating injury to the defender, Rangers manager Philippe Clement was clear about the commitment of Connor Goldson to the Ibrox cause.
Claiming the defender would be sticking around to lend his support to the team in the run-in, there were some telling comments about a pre-season return which will stick out to Gers fans.
It appears far from be gearing up to head out of Ibrox in the summer, Goldson is firmly focused on a big pre-season and with two years left to run on his contract, doesn’t look to be going anywhere.
“In pre-season he will be back and he told me also he is happy about that because last season he missed almost all pre-season,” Clement told the press before the win over Kilmarnock.
“It has already been a miracle that he played as many games and was fit for so much time. This injury was really bad luck, in a duel, falling down with two players and somebody falling on your knee. It can happen. That is really bad luck.”
When asked about Goldson’s role off the pitch, Clement is clear the defender’s commitment is unwavering.
“It’s still an important thing, it’s the same with the staff and the same with me,” said Clement. “We cannot be on the pitch to give the decisive ball or to score the goal or to make the tackle but you can say the right things.
“You can help people in their motivation, in their calmness, whatever they need at that moment and he’s part of this group. I think it’s also a good sign that somebody wants to be there for the team.”
Rangers duo not thinking about Saudi switch
It’s not just Connor Goldson who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia either.
Fellow Rangers stalwart James Tavernier – who leapt to the defence of his old friend after the centre-back was dropped for Leon Balogun – has also been tipped for a move to the Gulf.
But whilst captain Tavernier has also cooled exit talk, it appears that these two guys are central to Philippe Clement’s plans heading into the new campaign.
Some Rangers fans, who are potentially set to once again be left frustrated in the domestic title tilt, may take some umbrage with that.
But in reality these two guys, as senior players who bear the brunt of leadership responsibilities, will always come under greater scrutiny from the fans.
As Rangers prepare for another squad overhaul in the summer, Michael Beale’s final transfer window stands as a warning about the dangers of abandoning continuity.
Some may grumble, but despite the groans it’s clear Connor Goldson is fully focused on the task at hand at Rangers with those Saudi exit links set to be short-lived.
