Following on from our Greg Docherty piece yesterday, Ibrox Noise started salivating.

No, the catering department hadn’t just brought us a bacon roll or two, this was even more tempting – a vision of next season’s Rangers midfield:

Ross McCrorie, Scott Arfield and Greg Docherty.

If Rangers have had, in recent times, a better midfield than this, we’d love to be reminded of it. Even in the latter days of Barry Ferguson we can rarely remember his being partnered with guys of this quality, and if this vision is part of Steven Gerrard’s plans for next season, consider us on board.

Gerrard has switched from 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-1-1-cum 4-3-3 in recent weeks, and it’s that latter one which this could fit divinely.

Ross McCrorie, the destroyer, sat in front of the back four and working like a dog putting his body where it hurts.

Scott Arfield, the midfield general rallying his troops and guiding everyone while linking up with the flanks and working hard off the ball, nailing a goal or two in the process.

Greg Docherty, the-now attacking midfielder with assists and goals coming out his backside but with the physicality to power his way into the box and cause havoc.

It’s a truly exceptional trio, and as good as any (recent) midfield combination we can think of at Ibrox.

Of course, it’s all about potential – we don’t know how well these three could work together – it might be flat and lack understanding. But if we take each unit in isolation, they’re about the strongest triangle our midfield could have and the perfect blend of defence through to attack.

And, with Ryan Jack in reserve we have the ability to form a diamond four – McCrorie sitting, Jack and Arfield the left and right, and Docherty at the apex.

The fact is Docherty gives Rangers some extremely versatile flexibility and strength. His (hopeful) return opens up possibilities and develops some real strength in midfield, as well as ability.

This is something we would absolutely love to see – and it wouldn’t cost a penny.