Why a Rangers player’s transfer to Ibrox hasn’t totally worked out this season has been assessed.

Danny Rohl’s side continued their positive momentum on Friday with a 5-0 thumping of lower league side Annan Athletic at Ibrox, which handed minutes to a number of fringe players. One of those was Joe Rothwell, who has struggled at Rangers since moving to the club from Bournemouth, having spent last term helping Leeds United out of the English Championship.

He has been linked with joining Sheffield United this window as his future looks in doubt, this game being the first time he’s appeared since October. Alan Hutton was on co-commentary duty for the game being broadcast by Premier Sports and the former Rangers right-back said the midfielder, amid links back to England at Sheffield United, needs to be braver on the ball while wearing blue.

Joe Rothwell at Rangers assessed

Hutton said: “He had a great season at Leeds United. You really thought he would come up here and hit the ground running, and it has not quite worked for him. We have seen in flashes what he is capable of but we I just don’t think we’ve seen it enough. He can pick the ball up and drive, we need to see it more. We need to see him switching play and not playing the easy pass all the time. I think that’s what has went wrong so far.”

For Rohl, he was impressed with the night’s work as attentions turns to facing Ludogorets in Europa League’s league phase section, having signed winger Andreas Skov Olsen, left-back Tuur Rommens and midfielder Tochi Chukwuani this transfer window. He said: “We have big goals this season, which starts with Europe which is also important. It’s been a good day – signing three players this week.

Danny Rohl on Rangers 5-0 Annan Athletic

“I’m happy. No injuries. Oliver Antman would normally start but he was ill. I’m happy and looking forward to the next challenge. It’s always important for us as a club and also the Academy. It was a shame I wasn’t allowed to take Kyle Glasgow and Ashton Scally. It should be an opportunity for these players to play, but there are ru

“These are high potential players. We like them and want to keep them. Hopefully if they have the right age then they can help us as well. Andreas is an experienced one. He can score and it’s nice to have a left foot on the right si“He had a fantastic season at Club Brugge which is nice. We want to give them a great opportunity and strengthen our squad in a different areas. All three players will help us – there were first minutes from Tochi after a busy week.”