Tuesday 29 November 2016 18:19, UK
Rangers boss Mark Warburton says criticism of summer signing Joe Garner is “short-sighted” and has backed the striker to come good at Ibrox.
The 28-year-old has scored just three goals in 12 appearances since his £1.8m move from Preston and has come in for criticism in some quarters.
However, ahead of Rangers' trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts on Wednesday night, Warburton has defended Garner and says people have been too quick to judge a player who he believes is still adapting to a new style of play.
"How many games has Joe played or started for Rangers and look at the sample size? Joe is only starting his career here, people are too quick to judge," Warburton said. "He has come out of a different formation of course but how many games has he played?
"I am disappointed at certain comments because the sample size is so small. Give the player the chance to settle in and understand how a team plays. But to judge him so quickly is very short-sighted.
"He is doing well, he is adapting, he offers a different side to the game for us. His movement, his physicality, he is aerially strong in both boxes, a good first touch, he is an experienced goalscorer with a bright future ahead of him at Rangers.
"We are delighted to get Joe Garner but, as I say, people need to give players time to settle in to new surroundings. Sometimes players hit the ground running, sometimes it takes a few games to work their way in. I have no doubts about Joe Garner whatsoever."
Joe Dodoo replaced Garner against Partick Thistle on Saturday and scored twice late on to give Rangers a 2-1 win. However, Warburton did not reveal if the 21-year-old summer signing from Leicester will get the nod over Garner for the trip to Tynecastle.
"I was told previously that Joe Dodoo hadn't worked, another failed signing apparently and now the same people are writing magnificent Joe Dodoo," Warburton said.
"They are too short-sighted. Their comments change too quickly. You have to give players time to settle, the same as any industry.
"I was delighted for Joe Dodoo, he came on and did what we know he can do, he trains so well every day, it is nice to have that type of [selection] problem."
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