Former Dundee head of development Jimmy Boyle has urged Glasgow Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara to leave Ibrox as he has the ability to play at the highest level.

Kamara can do better

The Finland international was signed by the Gers in January of last year for the paltry fee of £50,000. That already looks to have been incredibly shrewd business - he has made 71 appearances in all competitions under Steven Gerrard, and he has been linked with a €10m (£8.9m) move to Olympique Marseille this year.

Boyle believes that the 24-year-old has the ability to play at a higher level than the 54-time Scottish champions. He told The Glasgow Times:

"When Glen came in Neil said to me: ‘What do you think?'. I told him: ‘He can play at a much higher level’. I don’t actually know how Neil managed to get him.

"Straight away, we felt he could go on to greater things. He was an excellent footballer. He got on the ball all the time, he read the game well, he didn’t give away possession, he was a good team player and, on top of all that, he was a great lad as well.”

"He suits the European game. With the schooling he has had at Arsenal, his style of play is ideal for continental football. He has done really well in the Europa League games for Rangers. He has done great getting to where he is now. But he has got the ability to go further.”

"I am really pleased for him. I would love to see him kicking on again somewhere else at some point in time. I fully believe he has got the technique and the mentality. But that will be up to Glen. If he wants to then I am sure he can do it."

Vital to Gerrard

In the long run, Kamara is likely to depart the Gers. After all, the Scottish Premiership does not have enough prestige to hold on to its star players. However, right now, Steven Gerrard cannot afford to lose the midfielder - he is such an important part of the way the team plays.

Kamara has featured in 16 of the 20 matches the Gers have played this term, scoring one goal. In the Europa League, in particular, he has stood out, averaging 1.7 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game. As Rangers go in search of a first piece of major silverware since 2011, Kamara has a big role to play - the club cannot afford to lose him.

In other news, this summer Rangers target shines on international duty.