Rangers Boss Sends Clear Message On This £8.5m Winger: Should The Club Back Him?

Rangers Boss Sends Clear Message On This £8.5m Winger: Should The Club Back Him? Rangers delivered a convincing response to their recent domestic setback by beating St Johnstone 4-0, giving Derek McInnes another reason to trust the attacking approach he has developed since taking charge in June. The result followed a frustrating 2-2 draw against Dundee, which interrupted the club’s winning run and allowed Celtic to maintain their advantage in the Scottish Premiership title race. McInnes has reshaped the squad since arriving at Ibrox, adding fresh options across several positions during the summer transfer window. His side have already shown they can hurt opponents through quick transitions, aggressive pressing and direct wing play, although the manager still expects greater consistency in the final third. The latest victory offered encouragement on that front. Badredine Bouanani has made a positive impression since joining on loan, while Djeidi Gassama provided an excellent assist against St Johnstone. Yet another summer arrival caught the manager’s attention for reasons that went beyond the scoreline. South Korean winger Min-Su Kim continues to search for his first goal or assist after eight Rangers appearances, despite earning seven starts. The 20-year-old joined Girona’s ranks before Rangers paid a reported £8.5 million to bring him to Scotland, and his early performances have shown why McInnes values his contribution. Speaking after the St Johnstone victory, the Rangers manager praised Kim’s counter-pressing, work rate, confidence on the ball and overall attacking threat. McInnes explained that the winger’s frustration about his scoring record has become a regular subject of conversation, particularly after he struck the woodwork twice. The manager wants Kim to judge his performances more broadly rather than focus entirely on goals and assists. Against St Johnstone, the youngster helped create pressure in dangerous areas and played a part in several attacking moves, even though he failed to register a direct goal contribution. “It’s the first thing he talks about when he hasn’t scored, and I’m trying to get him away from that. He’s so desperate to score and do well. I think it’s clearly annoying him that he’s hit a couple of posts now, but his overall game and his threat were superb today. He’s so willing. His counter-press is magnificent. His confidence in possession, his work rate and the quality he shows throughout the game are outstanding. Obviously, he doesn’t get his goal. Bouanani got one last week, which was great, and Gassama got a brilliant assist today. Minsu did everything but score. I’m fortunate that we’ve got good wide players, but they know the importance of getting their numbers up, and nobody feels that more than Minsu.” Should Rangers continue backing Kim despite his lack of goals and assists? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 24: Kim Min-su of Rangers controls the ball during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Glasgow Rangers and St. Johnstone at Ibrox Stadium on October 24, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) The statistics show the difference between output and influence. Kim has made eight appearances, starting seven, without scoring or assisting, but his movement and pressing give Rangers another way to disrupt defensive lines. His ability to drift inside also creates room for overlapping full-backs and gives teammates passing options between the opposition’s midfield and defence. For a club chasing Celtic, that contribution is very important. McInnes wants his wide players to work hard without possession and then attack quickly when Rangers recover the ball. Kim already follows those instructions, and his two efforts against the woodwork suggest he has come close to adding the numbers that currently frustrate him. Rangers should resist judging an £8.5 million signing solely by his opening statistics. At 20, the South Korean has time to improve his finishing and decision-making, while his existing work rate gives the manager a dependable foundation. The club should support that development rather than add pressure through public criticism. The board must consider the wider sporting plan, too. Rangers have invested heavily in rebuilding the squad, and selling a young winger before he settles would undermine that work unless an exceptional offer changed the equation. Kim’s reported contract runs until 2030, giving the club time to develop his game without rushing into a decision. McInnes has made his position clear through his praise. Kim needs to keep making the right runs, creating chances and helping Rangers control matches rather than forcing every attack into a shot. His next step is to turn those promising performances into goals and assists without losing the work rate and tactical discipline that have already earned his manager’s trust.