Glenn Hoddle and Martin Keown impressed by one Rangers player against Lech Poznan

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Glenn Hoddle and Martin Keown have raved about Rangers striker Cedric Itten on BT Sport’s Europa League highlights show (10.30pm, Thursday) after the Switzerland international netted against Lech Poznan on Thursday night.

Itten, 23, has struggled to hit his best form since completing a £2.7million (Sun) move to Rangers from Swiss side St. Gallen – where he scored 20 goals in 34 games last season. Making 17 appearances, he only netted his third goal on Thursday night.

The Switzerland international was awarded just his fifth start in those 17 matches and took full advantage. Bearing down on the Poznan side, he lashed home a powerful effort from the angle for Steven Gerrard’s team – beating the goalkeeper at the near post.

Hoddle raved about the player’s goal on Thursday evening – with Ianis Hagi also scoring in the 2-0 win. Meanwhile, Keown commented on the bargain Rangers have signed in Itten, claiming his presence shows the strength in depth of Gerrard’s men.

Hoddle said: “He does really well doesn’t he. It’s poor defending but once he gets in, he still has plenty to do – lovely little body swerve and he goes for the near post and it’s a great bit of technique. Powerful.”

Keown added, on BT Sport: “Good bit of business to get Itten, only £2.7million – giving [Alfredo] Morelos a rest. It just shows you the strength in depth that Rangers and Gerrard have got.”

TBR’s view – Itten deserves more of a chance

He showed that on Thursday night – and Gerrard admitted as much in his comments after the match. With Kemar Roofe, Morelos and Jermain Defoe as options up front, Itten has been made to wait and feed off scraps.

But with Roofe combining with Morelos and Defoe now 38 years of age, Itten is going to get his chance. On Thursday, he grabbed that chance with both hands. Should he be shown more faith? Yes, judging on his efforts on Thursday.