Mark Warburton today possibly let slip that on-trial midfielder John Eustace has a finite timescale in which to prove his fitness before Rangers may consider their options regarding the former Derby man.
Eustace, 35, has been on trial at Murray Park for over two months after the initial proposed four weeks, and during that time has suffered a number of injury setbacks and found himself employed under a coaching umbrella, giving invaluable feedback and advice to the younger players, with Andy Halliday especially giving him lavish praise.
However, Warburton’s patience with the engine-room anchor could be finally starting to tell and as much as he wants to secure him as a player signing, has implied the player’s time may be running out.
He said:
“John wants to be a player. He’s got so much to offer. John wants to prove himself fit and we’ll go from there. He’s working very hard to get fit, I hope very much that’ll be the case and if he does he’ll be a real influence for us.”
But added:
“Yes I have (a timescale he’ll be fit by), but I’ll absolutely not (share it).”
Whether this means he knows categorically when Eustace will be fit, or whether it means Eustace has until X date to prove himself at Ibrox is slightly unclear.