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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Euan Robertson

Scott Wright backed for Rangers Ryan Kent role by Derek McInnes as he questions Aberdeen's decision to sell him

Derek McInnes has tipped Scott Wright to replace Ryan Kent for Rangers due to his similar attributes.

Kent is facing several weeks on the sidelines after aggravating a hamstring injury in the midweek defeat to Lyon in the Europa League.

The 24-year-old is an integral part of Steven Gerrard's plans but McInnes believes Wright can have a similar impact.

The former Aberdeen boss handed Wright his debut at the Dons and he believes Wright can thrive in Kent's absence.

McInnes said: “He has competition but I do think if Kent is going to be missing then Scott is the player who is most similar in that he can go and eliminate people with his speed and trickery.

“He’s already made a good impression and now he may well get a run at it. He still has competition from Fashion Sakala, Ianis Hagi, Joe Aribo and Kemar Roofe.

“But I do think if Kent is going to be missing, then Scott is the one player who is most similar in that he can go and eliminate people with his speed and trickery.

“Kent is a mainstay of the team, a source of inspiration not only when Rangers are cruising games but when they need someone to create that special moment that makes the difference.

“He has not quite been hitting the heights of previous seasons but he has set a high bar. And I still feel that the opposition have that regard for him when he gets the ball.

“They know he can score off both feet, he can create chances. To see him pull up against Lyon in midweek was a blow but all managers have to deal with losing players over the course of a season.

“And that’s where I feel Scott Wright could now come in very handy.

"Rangers don’t play with wingers either. They play with inside forwards and ask the front three to be really narrow out of possession and give them the freedom to go and play from that central area. Scott can really thrive in that role."

Wright arrived at Rangers in January for a fee in the region of £150,000 but McInnes questioned Aberdeen's decision to cash in.

“I never ever saw the sense in selling him because it really impacted on what we were trying to do at the time.

“For the fee that was agreed, I could see the sense for Rangers and for Scott. But not for Aberdeen.”

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