ANDY HALLIDAY admits the loss of Ryan Kent is a real blow to Rangers as the winger faces the prospect of several weeks out of action.
Kent was given a rousing reception by the Ibrox crowd against Livingston after completing his £7million move from Liverpool on deadline day.
But his Light Blues’ homecoming was to turn into an afternoon to forget for the 22-year-old as a hamstring injury forced him from the field after just 40 minutes.
The return of Kent has given Gerrard and his squad a significant boost as they look to progress in Europe and taste domestic success this season.
And Halliday knows someone else in the Ibrox ranks will now need to step up to the plate whilst Kent works his way back to full fitness in the coming weeks.
He said: "It's hugely disappointing for everyone to see him injured. Kent was one of the league's outstanding players last season and we knew the quality we were bringing in.
"He's someone I loved playing with last season because he brings the best out of the other players. Kenty is a match winner and the type you crave in games like Livingston.
"It's disappointing to lose him like that but he had a hamstring injury last season and came back flying.
"It's up to Kenty to get his head down, work hard and come back to be the player we know he can be.
“We spoke about it and I knew the quality he had from last year so if we had the opportunity to get a player of his calibre back then, of course, we are going to push it as much as we can.
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“We are lucky that he wanted to come back as well and we are fortunate to have him. Unfortunately we are going to lose him for four, five weeks, I don’t know exactly what the extent of the injury is.
“But fair play to Brandon Barker, he has scored his goal on his home debut and taken his chance. Kenty is out but it gives someone else a platform to show why they are here.”
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