Is this the end at Ibrox for fan favourite?

Regular readers of Ibrox Noise will know we think extremely highly of Greg Docherty. Unfairly treated, in our opinion, the colossal midfield powerhouse has lit up England’s League One in his time south with Shrewsbury, but it’s our contention he’s already good enough to play for Rangers. And indeed, has already proven that.

However, he must be having quite a side-eye glance at events in Govan, where Steven Gerrard, having seemingly elected to leave the 22-year old on loan, has added to Docherty’s position with the addition of Finland’s Glen Kamara.

What does this say about Docherty’s chances of ever breaking into the Rangers team under Gerrard?

Both players are bustling powerful central midfielders, and while Docherty has added an attacking side to his game, and Kamara is known for verging on the more defensive, nevertheless with Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield, Ross McCrorie, Steven Davis, Lassana Coulibaly, Jordan Rossiter and now seemingly Kamara in there, what hope does the ex-Hamilton man now have of regaining a shirt in Govan?

In the way Kyle Lafferty will be feeling a little dismissed by the signing of Jermain Defoe and the potential return of Ryan Hardie, Docherty now sees around seven midfielders with whom he must compete in order to secure a place in the first team.

It’s equally an issue for Jordan Rossiter – Rossiter sees Kamara arriving, plus the speculation over Fulham’s Kevin McDonald and Derby’s Craig Bryson in his position and, even if these guys don’t arrive, feel a tad put out by all the midfielders both linked and definitely signed.

Whatever position Docherty arguably plays these days, both the signing of Davis and the imminent capture of Kamara we’d have to argue suggests Steven Gerrard just isn’t interested.

Which is a hell of a shame – we really like Docherty, and all he wants to do is play for his team – we believe he’s fit to do so, but it appears Gerrard doesn’t agree.

Bear in mind Gerrard even recalled Ryan Hardie from his loan (albeit the striker may still go back out) and never put Jordan Rossiter out in the first place, while Docherty must look on from afar.

The addition of Davis and Kamara suggests the game is up for Docherty.