Ryan Kent’s absence was absolutely vital for Rangers

Ryan Kent’s return illustrated two key factors for both Rangers fans, and Steven Gerrard. First of all it demonstrated how much we’ve missed the winger’s guile, trickery, energy and skill, and how much of an impact these traits had when he came on.

Secondly, it showed that he DID need a rest, even if it was forced upon him with an injury.

Scott Wright, honourable enough, is nowhere near the level of Kent, but he got his chance because the ex-Liverpool man was running on empty.

He confirmed it himself when he revealed he’s been carrying niggling injuries until the one that actually laid him out – and frankly he needed that rest.

Ryan Kent needed the time offline to completely heal, and get himself back to full pelt.

Two months we had to do without him, and boy did we miss his tenacity and low centre of gravity.

For this season alone he already has 5 assists in 10 matches. That is a big hole to fill, and sadly for Wright, he was unable to do it. 2 goals in 15 isn’t horrible, but it just isn’t the level of Kent.

So having finally properly rested, Kent is back. He’s had 8 weeks to completely recover his body, and may indeed be involved v Ross County before the break.

We’ve missed him more than we realised, albeit Ibrox Noise had been perpetuating the notion of just how much we needed him back.

But not so much in the state he was in pre-injury. He needed a lay off.

And now he’s had that, and looks hungry again.

Welcome back Ryan Kent.