Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed that Lewis Mayo will likely go out on loan this coming season, but only after the ‘Gers have been able to bring in a replacement for the injured Nikola Katic.
The Croatian centre-back suffered a damaging training injury which will see him sidelined for the foreseeable future, and that could well see Mayo step up to be a part of Gerrard’s plans for the new season. He featured in the Veolia Trophy but, with just three competitive appearances to his name, he needs to play more regularly.
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Gerrard has acknowledged this and says he wants him to go out on loan, but only once a replacement is in. He explained:
“I need to replace Katic because I need four good centre-halves if we are looking at what we are hoping is going to be another 60-game season.
“We love Mayo. His attitude has been fantastic and he has a really good chance.
“But I think he needs game time rather than to be number four centre-back.
“We will keep him in until we get the right one in and then we will look to Lewis out to get him 30 games for his development.
“But I have to be selfish with Lewis in the short term.”
Losing £1.44m-valued Katic is a blow for Gerrard. The 27-year-old made 19 appearances in the Premiership last term and featured the most at centre-back after Connor Goldson. Whilst Mayo may be an exciting talent, it is surely too early into his professional career for him to step right into the starting XI.
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Some time away from Ibrox, allowing him to play regular first-time football, should benefit all involved. Hopefully Gerrard will bring in that replacement for Katic sooner rather than later.
‘Gers fans, is Gerrard right to seek a loan move for Mayo rather than throwing him straight into the fray? Let us know what you think by commenting below!
