Sadiq Umar -RangersGetty

'Umar's got to fight' - Rangers coach Steven Gerrard warns underwhelming Roma loanee

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has warned Sadiq Umar to fight for his place in order to earn regular playing time in his squad.

The lanky striker has racked up just 26 minutes of football since he arrived at the Ibrox Stadium on loan from Roma in June. 

Presence of Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty in Gerrard's squad have left the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist with limited game time.

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"Competition for places is very tough all over the pitch, not just in the number nine position, so Umar's got to fight," Gerrard was quoted by SkySports.

"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.

"It can't just be given to you, not at a club like this. So it's over to Umar, the ball is in his court. He has the chance and the opportunity to impress all of us on a daily basis.

"But you don't have to be a rocket scientist to work out that he is going to have to improve if he is to earn some game time."

Rangers' Scottish League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen on October 28 is a 'fantastic opportunity' for Umar to prove himself as Gerrard will miss Morelos [banned] and Lafferty [cup-tied].

However, Gerrard insists that the Nigerian must improve to get a chance to feature.

"[The semi-final] is a fantastic opportunity but just because he is one of the number nines we have got and two are not available, it doesn't mean he is going to feature. You have to earn the right."

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