Steven Gerrard has told Inverness Caley Thistle they can keep Kai Kennedy until May - if he commits his future to Rangers imminently.
The talented young winger, out of contract next summer, is believed to be close to agreeing an extension to his current Ibrox deal having previously been in dispute with the club over a lack of first team opportunities.
In September, clubs including Manchester City, Roma and Bayern Munich were reportedly tracking the 18-year-old after a breakdown in contract talks.
Loaned to Inverness in October, Kennedy has made a positive impact in eight starts and one substitute appearance for the Highlanders.
Manager John Robertson is eager to extend his loan beyond January, and stressed: “We have spoken to Rangers and they have given us the scenario they see going forward.
“His future with them, first and foremost, is the key thing that has to be discussed between Rangers and the player.
“Until that is sorted we have to wait and see, as he is a Rangers player.
“They have told us if he signs a new deal they are quite happy for him to remain here this season.
“Until he does that, it is up for grabs.
“That hasn’t been done at the moment, so we will just crack on for the next couple of games before contacting Rangers again to find out what the situation is.”
While Kennedy has dazzled at times, he has also faded into the background in certain games including the recent surprise defeat to Alloa.
Robertson knows that is characteristic of any young player making his way at first team level for the first time, and warned there were others breathing down the Gers player’s neck.
The Caley Thistle boss stressed: “He has done very well but people forget he is only 18.
“He made an immediate impact with us and did very well.
“In the last couple of games he has been quiet. Teams have doubled up on him and some teams have used very heavy tactics on him, to say the least.
“We know what he is capable of.
“Kai has to keep his performances up to a high standard. Aaron Doran is now breathing down his neck wanting to play and we’ve got Dan Mackay on the other flank desperate to play as well.
“The frontmen are under no illusions that their display at Alloa was below what we expect.
“The four of them had only four shots at goal – we need a lot more from them.
“We had a good chat with them and that we expect them to be far more involved in the game.
“Otherwise other players will step in.”
