Danny Rohl's transfer misstep slammed as Rangers and Celtic told what their ‘big problem’ is

Curtis, 19, had been a regular in the Rangers matchday squad in the first half of the campaign, but was allowed to join Kilmarnock on a loan deal until the end of the season in February, where he has made a huge impact for Neil McCann’s side as they battle against the drop.

Rewarded with a first senior call-up to the Scotland squad in March, he made his international debut as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 friendly defeat to Japan at Hampden Park. Hopeful of booking himself a spot on a plane to the World Cup this summer, Curtis did himself no harm at the weekend by scoring his third goal for Kilmarnock as they beat Dundee United 3-0 with Scotland boss Steve Clarke watching on in the stands.

However, after being almost mathematically ruled out of the title race following the 2-1 defeat to Hearts on Monday, former Ibrox favourite Alan Hutton has questioned if the club's decision to let him leave during the winter transfer window was the right one.

“We saw the performances he put in when he was given the opportunity,” Hutton told Premier Sports. “I thought he played well. Moving forward, I understand from the players' and the manager's point of view that he would not have got as much regular playing time. When you look at the squad right now, you would think he would have got minutes, and he would definitely have added something different.

“When you go away pre-season, have a good pre-season, and you're starting to get into the first-team, it's all about raising your standards. If, for whatever reason, that doesn't happen, then you're looking to go out on loan. Rangers are missing a core of Scottish players. I feel that is a big problem for Rangers at the moment. It's a massive summer for Findlay Curtis. The path that he has chosen has been absolutely perfect for him, though. Scotland call-up through his form, playing regularly week in week out. The big thing now for him is to finish the season well, go back to Rangers with a view of getting back into the team.”

Hutton’s co-pundit, Michael Stewart, was also critical of Rohl’s decision to let the teen move to a Premiership rival. However, he feels like Curtis’ move to Kilmarnock is the tip of the iceberg, claiming his loan move to get more regular first-team football is a symptom of a wider issue that is affecting Rangers and Celtic.

“The best thing that has happened here is that Curtis has gone and played games,” said Stewart. “But I don't think there's any doubt that he could have made an impact at Rangers this season. The second half of the season, he could have, and should have, in my opinion, been one of the players in that Rangers side. He can play right or left wing, and the Rangers don't have that. He's there on loan at Killie and in the Scotland squad. He's a valuable asset; they need to promote these players, and he's ready.

“It's a slightly more nuanced debate about the lack of opportunities that are given to young players at Rangers and Celtic in particular. They’ve got a core of some of the best young talents in the country, and far too often, there isn't space given to allow young players to come through and grow. There's a glass ceiling put in place, because the management is fearful that they might not be ready-made. But by their own nature, because they're young , they’re not going to be. But you have to create the space for them.”

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