Steven Gerrard has hinted Glenn Middleton may yet have a long-term future with Rangers after calling the winger in from the cold at Falkirk.

The 20-year-old was a surprise package back in Gerrard's first season in charge at Ibrox but has disappeared from the first team picture over the last year.

The Scotland Under-21 ace made an immediate impression on his new boss when Gerrard arrived in the summer of 2018.

He went on to make 28 appearances in total and even netted with an impressive strike in the Europa League away to Spartak Moscow as he finished the 2018/19 campaign with five goals.

But things did not go anywhere near as well for him last term as he failed to impress during two frustrating loan spells with Hibernian and Bradford.

Injuries have hampered the former Norwich academy recruit's progress while his path to the Gers first team has been blocked by Ryan Kent's emergence as one of Gerrard's main men.

But having been recalled to make his first Rangers appearance since April last year, Gerrard insists Middleton can still play a part as his side go in hunt of the club's 55th league title.

His rare run out saw him handed 35 minutes at left-back as he replaced Borna Barisic during the 4-0 Betfred Cup romp over the Bairns and Gerrard believes Middleton could prove a handy option in defence.

He said: "Glenn has been on loan and had injuries but he has been back within the group for four or five weeks now.

"He has been working hard and playing for an opportunity.

"We think he can do left-back, left-wingback or left-wing and it was a strong cameo from him."