Kris Boyd details ‘subtle dig’ Rangers boss Steven Gerrard aimed at Ryan Kent

Boyd has been a huge fan of Kent since his arrival in Glasgow and he admits his slow start to the league campaign has come as a surprise.

He wrote in the Scottish Sun: “Ryan Kent has been Rangers’ most important player over the past two seasons. You could argue he has been the best player in the country over the same period.

“That is why his dramatic drop-off in form at the start of this campaign has been such a surprise.

“Everybody, particularly Steven Gerrard, is wondering where the real Ryan Kent has gone.

“The Rangers manager hauled him off at half-time against Alashkert on Thursday and has admitted the winger is  struggling at the moment.

“You get the impression his high praise of Scott Wright, the man who replaced him, was also a subtle dig at Kent.

“I have sympathy for the former Liverpool man, because the level of consistency he’s shown since making the move from Anfield has been hugely impressive.”

Asked why Kent has been off the boil in recent weeks, Gerrard said in his press conference today: “I think that’s a question you need to ask Ryan when he faces the media.

“I’m sure he will be facing the media in the coming weeks.

“I think it is clear he’s not at his best level right now. But, as his manager and as a staff, we will give him the support he needs to try and get him back in the best place as quick as we can.

“Ryan has been absolutely phenomenal for me and the club since he has walked through the door. It is very rare to see him when he’s not in top form.

“But this is it, he is human, it happens. I had more dips in form than anyone out there, so I understand that.

“He needs myself, the staff and his team-mates to get round him and it will only take that one moment of brilliance or one big performance and he will be back in the place we need him.”