Glasgow Rangers of Scotland striker, Sadiq Umar has received a stern wake up call from the club’s manager, Steven Gerrard, who says no player is a sacred cow in his team.
With Umar struggling form form since his arrival on loan from AS Roma of Italy in the summer, Gerrard appears getting tired of the Rio 2016 Olympics bronze medalist, and footballlive.ng learnt the gaffer has warned the lad to wake up.
Gerrard told Umar to think again if he believes he is guaranteed to get his chance in the Scottish League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
Rangers will have to take on the Dons at Hampden next month without either of their top two front-men, with Alfredo Morelos banned and Kyle Lafferty cup-tied.
Sadiq is the only other recognised centre-forward in the Ibrox first-team squad but so far he has failed to make an impression on his manager.
However, Gerrad says the 21-year-old has to improve on “everything” if he wants to be a contender to face Derek McInnes’ team.
Gerrard made no secret of his frustration with the Nigerian after Wednesday’s quarter-final win over Ayr as he pleaded for Sadiq, who has racked up just 26 minutes of action since moving to Glasgow, to “join the party”.
Gerrard warned: “Competition for places is very tough all over the pitch, not just in the number nine position, so Umar’s got to fight.
“He’s come in as a young boy. I think he’s settled in well enough. I think everybody at Rangers has done everything they can and the fans have got behind him.
“But the reality is – and there is no secret in any position – you have got to fight and show myself and my staff that you’re worthy of game minutes.”
