Giovanni van Bronckhorst admitted Ryan Kent needs to “bring more” as he challenged the winger to find the consistency to go with his talent. Kent netted his first league goal in 10 months in the rout over Hearts at Tynecastle last weekend.
And the Dutchman said that was a reminder of what the 25-year-old is capable of as he cut inside to lash the ball beyond Craig Gordon. Kent is out of contract at the end of this season and will be able negotiate a pre-contract in three months time but has come in for some criticism from supporters over his below par displays.
Kent faced his former club Liverpool at the weekend and, as Gers prepare to face St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, van Bronckhorst said: “He has to bring more. Ryan is an exceptional player with a lot of qualities. The performance he had against Hearts was a really good one with a lot of threat going forward.
“I know his qualities and they haven’t been there every game. He needs to be consistent and gives himself the best positions on the pitch to be dangerous and have an assists or score the chances he creates himself.
“The goal he scored against Hearts is a great example when he comes in and makes sure he hits the target. He’s definitely a player who can give us more goals and assists. We have wingers who can play both sides - Ryan is more naturally on the left but he can be flexible when needed.”
Van Bronckhorst also admitted that Alfredo Morelos and Antonio Colak could play in a two-pronged attack as he said: “Everything is possible. They are two players who have a goal threat. Colak has been fantastic at the start of the campaign and Morelos is scoring goals as well and getting fitter and stronger every game he plays.
“Kemar Roofe is back training full with the squad so that’s another option. At moments in games they are definitely capable of playing together but we have to wait and see in which game we can use them from the start or moments in a game when we need to force a goal but they can definitely both be on the pitch at the same time.”
On injuries, he added: “We are still waiting for more information from Tom Lawrence’s injury. James Sands is back from his suspension and everyone available at Anfield is available for Saturday. St Mirren have started the season well and are distinct in their style of play. Credit to them for their strong performances so far.”
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