Former Ross County boss John Hughes has backed Steven Gerrard 's decision to keep Stephen Kelly at Ibrox rather than sending him out on loan again.
The highly-rated 21-year-old impressed at Ross County under Yogi's tutelage last season and many felt another year away from Ibrox would help develop his game.
Gerrard insisted Kelly being among the first team also provides benefits that he wouldn't get if he exited the club on a short-term basis.
And Hughes vouches for that, despite the talented midfield schemer being limited to two Rangers appearances this season in the wins over Dunfermline and Alashkert.
Speaking to Football Scotland, the said: "I was intrigued to see if he'd go on loan again and I was absolutely delighted he stayed at Rangers.
"Steven Gerrard will know exactly what he's got. His next part of development, I think, is being in the first-team environment which he is, on that training pitch and amongst that first-team squad and quality players Rangers have got, holding his own.
"That's what will make Stephen the best. He needs to be amongst it, playing against them, falling out with these guys, getting stuck in. Not standing back in admiration.
"If he does that he'll be a better player for it.
"He's done that (loan move). His next chance is to get stuck in and not sit back. Respect all the players but you're watching their habits, how professional they are. You're watching how hard they work and you're putting that into your game.
"He'll hold his own, he's technically very, very good.
"Working under Steven Gerrard and the demands, I can say right now, Rangers will train harder ahead of games on a Saturday.- The demands will be there for the standards and he'll either sink or swim.
"I think he's a swimmer.
"Rangers have to win trebles, compete with Celtic and in Europe. With the spending power they've got, can they go out and buy one? Or give Stephen a chance? That's what happens."
