Rangers evolving loan strategy has taken another turn this January, with Josh Gentles recalled from his spell at Raith Rovers and immediately redirected on a new co-operation loan to League One side Alloa Athletic.
Gentles’ initial move to Stark’s Park was designed to provide Championship exposure, but a lack of regular minutes prompted Rangers to reassess.
Rather than allow the 18-year-old to stagnate on the bench, Ibrox staff have opted for a more proactive solution, sending him to Alloa where fellow Rangers youngsters Calum Adamson, Callum Burnside and Lewis Stewart are already playing consistently.
From Rangers perspective, the decision underlines a clear principle: loans must deliver game-time, not just a badge on the CV.
Gentles will now be expected to play week in, week out in a competitive League 1 environment, mirroring the pathway Adamson and Stewart have already established.
Raith Rovers manager Dougie Imrie was candid when discussing the situation and the broader Rangers co-operation agreement with The Courier.
While Gentles departure leaves Rovers without a Scotland-qualified under-21 loanee at present, Imrie insists the Fife club remain open to further collaboration.
“Obviously, there’s players that you would take,” he explained.
“But it has to be a two-way thing. We want them, but we also need Rangers to want to give us them.”
Despite the current pause, Imrie revealed discussions have already taken place.
“So, we’ll certainly look and explore and have conversations.
“But, at the moment, there’s nothing there.
“We’ve enquired about certain individuals, and nothing’s come back yet. So, we’ll keep pursuing and see what happens.”
Importantly, Raith are still benefitting from a Rangers loanee in English midfielder Paul Nsio, even though the 19-year-old does not fall under the formal co-operation agreement, which is restricted to Scotland-qualified players under the age of 21.
Nsio’s impact has been significant. He has made 14 appearances for Rovers and has featured in every Championship match since the start of November – and recently netted his first senior goal in a 6-0 win over Ross County.
“We’ve still got Paul from Rangers, although he’s not part of the co-op agreement,” Imrie added.
“But he’s done really well. He’s earned the right to play. He deserves these opportunities.
“From that aspect, it’s Paul who’s got himself the game-time – with his attitude, his application, his work-rate and his work ethic.”
That distinction is key for Rangers. Loans are not guarantees; players must earn minutes through performance and professionalism.
Nsio’s progress strengthens Rangers hand when placing future prospects, even if Gentles’ particular situation required a different solution.
Elsewhere in Rangers’ co-operation network, League Two affiliate Stirling Albion experienced a temporary hiccup this weekend.
Chris Eadie, Connor Campbell and Arran Kerr were all unavailable for Stirling’s 4-1 win away to Edinburgh City after Rangers did not extend their loan registrations in time for the new year.
The issue is understood to be administrative rather than strategic, with all three expected to be reinstated ahead of next week’s fixtures.
Taken together, the developments highlight a loan system that is active, flexible and increasingly ruthless about outcomes.
Rangers are no longer content with passive placements; they want environments where young players play, develop and are properly tested.
For Josh Gentles, the move to Alloa represents a fresh opportunity. For Rangers, it reinforces a simple message across their youth: minutes matter, and loans will be reshaped until they deliver them.