The Loan Ranger

Last updated : 23 March 2006 By Stuart Gillespie
The on loan midfielder may even end up with two, as we're looking good for the first division title, which would go nicely alongside the League Challenge Cup in the trophy cabinet.

Before Sunday's game, Allan McGregor could still have won a trophy. The goalkeeper is on loan at Dunfermline, but with Celtic winning that ruled him out. The only other Rangers player with any chance is Ross McCormack, who is on loan at Doncaster Rovers, who are ten points off a play of place with ten games left. And it's unlikely they'll make it in.

So, it looks fairly good that Charlie will be the only Rangers player with a medal (and possibly two) in his pocket from season 2005/06. A useless bit of trivia for the future, and another accolade for a player who has been fantastic for Saints this season.

Saints were desperate for a creative, attacking midfielder after the first few games, and got one when Adam arrived on loan from Rangers in August. It was originally only on loan until the end of 2005, but was extended until the end of the season.

After he finally got his fitness sorted, he proved to be a valuable asset. He isn't afraid to shoot (although there are times when he should probably pass instead) and can take great free kicks. He has scored some vital goals, such as the ones against Queen of the South and Clyde in recent weeks.

That's not the only time he's annoyed the Clyde fans this season. In November, he handled the ball in the build up to a goal, whilst in January he won a penalty using his Murray Park training (how to win penalties) to the full. This even annoyed Clyde manager Graham Roberts, who made a Jose Mourinho style rant after the game. Nice work Charlie!

Such is Charlie's stature in the game he even won a Scotland under 21 cap a few weeks ago at Firhill. Such is the fine timing of this article that Charlie will miss Saturday's game against Airdrie through suspension!

There remains one big question: will Charlie be a Saint next season? He has said many times he wants to go back to Ibrox and still has a year left on his contract. Had he been there this season, he'd probably have got a few games when you see the dross in the new team.

With Paul Le Guen replacing Alex McLeish in the summer, he'll probably get rid of several players. This may lead to Charlie leaving, even permanently or on loan, and this could open the way for him coming to Love Street permanently.

Whatever happens, he can go back to Rangers in a few months with his head held high. Let's just hope he has two medals to boast about, rather than one.