When Scott Wright joined Rangers in January, his manager described him as a “project” signing, by which he meant that the young winger would need time. With hard work, good advice and the support of those around him, he had a chance.
So far, he is on schedule. Wright is far from the finished article but progress has been made since he left Aberdeen seven months ago. His performance and goal against Livingston in Rangers’ Premiership opener on Saturday bear testimony to that.
The 23-year-old was a first-half replacement for Ianis Hagi at Ibrox. Assuming the Romanian does not make a surprise recovery, Wright will start in Sweden tomorrow night when Rangers play the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie against Malmo.
It will be Wright’s biggest step at Rangers. There were glimpses last season of his potential, including a late cameo against Royal Antwerp and a classy goal against St Johnstone, but taking responsibility on a big European night will be his biggest challenge.
He has earned the opportunity. Comforted by Hagi’s early goal, Rangers controlled the Livingston game but it wasn’t until 12 minutes from the end that they settled the outcome. When Wright’s cross popped into the air and came back to him off James Tavernier’s head, he bent the ball inside the far post with the outside of his right boot.
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It was an inspired intervention, one that capped a bright overall performance. While some of his team-mates could not provide the penetrative pass that Rangers needed, Wright had been quick, direct and willing to take on opponents. He is the kind of flexible forward that Steven Gerrard likes in his team.
If frequent goals and assists are added to that package, he will be hard to keep on the sidelines. That, at least, is what Gerrard told him in the summer. With advice from the likes of Jermain Defoe, who is now on the coaching staff at Ibrox, the young Scot has every chance of improving his end product.
Neil McCann, the former Rangers winger, was among those watching from the stands on Saturday. “Rangers fans over the years have had players who just eliminate people and they love them,” McCann said. “If Scott Wright starts doing that week in, week out, then the punters will be off their seats more often than not.
“He’s been a terrific signing for Rangers and I believe he’s going to be a big player this year. He’s been one of the main guys who have come out of pre-season and really staked a claim. I was a wee bit disappointed and a bit surprised that he didn’t start on Saturday. But what an impact he made when he came on. His goal was just sublime.”
A Kemar Roofe goal in the last minute rounded off the scoring for Rangers, who have started where they left off last season. The champions have won 20 consecutive league games at Ibrox, a club record. They are also unbeaten in 40 Premiership outings.
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While there was no argument with the victory, Livingston can feel a little frustrated by the scoreline. They never threatened to trouble Jon McLaughlin, the Rangers goalkeeper, but they stayed in the game and conceded a third only after they were reduced to ten men. All three of their substitutes had been used when Jaze Kabia limped off with an injury.
“We are not going to be playing against Rangers every week,” said Ayo Obileye, the Livingston centre half. “We are disappointed at losing, of course we are, but we were well organised and we defended well for long spells. Against other teams, I am sure we can do well.”
Rangers (4-3-3): J McLaughlin 6 — J Tavernier 7, C Goldson 7, L Balogun 7, C Bassey 6 — G Kamara 7, S Davis 8, J Aribo 6 (J Lundstram 64min, 5) — I Hagi 5 (S Wright 31, 7), F Sakala 6 (K Roofe 71), R Kent 6.
Livingston (4-3-3): M Stryjek 7 — J McMillan 7, A Obileye 7, J Fitzwater 7, A Lewis 6 (J Kabia 56, 5) — S Pittman 7, J Holt 6, C Sibbald 6 (N Devlin 66, 5) — A Forrest 6, B Anderson 6 (J Hamilton 68, 5), J Penrice 5. Booked Lewis, Forrest, Sibbald, Penrice, Devlin.
Referee J Beaton. Attendance 23,000.
