Alan Hutton sees Lundstram as a key player in the club’s future success

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Phillips of St Johnstone passes the ball whilst under pressure from John Lundstram of Rangers during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and St. Johnstone FC at Ibrox Stadium on January 28, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Phillips of St Johnstone passes the ball whilst under pressure from John Lundstram of Rangers during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and St. Johnstone FC at Ibrox Stadium on January 28, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Rangers fans could see a reinvigorated John Lundstram take centre stage next season under new manager Michael Beale, according to former Light Blues defender Alan Hutton.

Speaking to Football Insidee, Hutton claimed Lundstram “has got everything” required to be a lynchpin in the Gers midfield and tipped the 29-year-old to be “massive” for the Ibrox club in 2023/24.

John Lundstram
DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 08: John Lundstram of Rangers controls the ballduring the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Rangers FC at on January 08, 2023 in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /

While Lundstram’s performances have been steady rather than spectacular this term, averaging a 7.01 rating, the Englishman has proven instrumental in big games, scoring in last season’s Europa League semi-final win over RB Leipzig, cementing his status as a “cult hero” in the eyes of club legend Ally McCoist.

With Scott Arfield’s contract expiring and Ryan Jack linked with a move down south, John Lundstram appears poised to take on added responsibility, a challenge Hutton believes he will rise to under Beale’s guidance.

“Definitely, I think he can be [a regular starter],” said Hutton. “He has got everything that you need to play in that midfield for Rangers. He is obviously strong, he has got good passing ability. He can come up with a goal when need be.

“I think he is definitely someone Beale will look to in the future. I think Lundstram will be a mainstay and a massive part of the team moving forward.”

While Saturday’s Old Firm defeat leaves Rangers trailing Celtic by 12 points, the Gers have shown marked improvement since Beale took the reins, amassing 40 points from 15 games. With an eye on reclaiming the Premiership crown, Rangers will aim to build on this momentum over the summer.

With Lundstram ready to grasp his opportunity, Beale looks to have a midfield general he can count on as the Light Blues go in search of title No. 56. Passionate, committed and no stranger to pressure-cooker environments, few players tick as many boxes as the former Sheffield United man.

After a season of transition, John Lundstram appears primed to emerge as a driving force behind Rangers’ resurgence under the club’s new gaffer.

More from Rangers FC News