Ovie Ejaria’s loan spell at Rangers has been cut short prematurely and he has returned to Liverpool.
The 21-year-old played 28 times for Rangers, including 23 starts, but he has now departed.
This leaves Steven Gerrard needing a central midfielder in the January transfer window.
But rather than spending money in January, his Ejaria replacement could be closer to home.
Greg Docherty is thriving on loan at League One side Shrewsbury Town and could be recalled in January.
The 22-year-old plays as a box-to-box midfielder and has impressed with both his defensive and attacking contributions for the Shrews.
In 23 games, Docherty has netted seven goals, including the opener in Saturday’s draw with Peterborough United.
His goal against Posh is a timely reminder to Gerrard that Docherty is an option in January.
By recalling the Scotland under-21 international and reintegrating him into the team, Gerrard could save some much-needed money to bring in reinforcements in other areas.
Docherty has plenty of experience in the Scottish Premiership with Hamilton Academical and he has now rediscovered his form out on loan.
Under Gerrard, the central midfielder can take his career to the next level and replicate his form in Rangers’ promotion push.
Rather than spending money on an Ejaria replacement, Docherty could be the ideal ready-made man for the job.