- Andreas Skov Olsen is in a race against time to prove he’s worth a permanent contract at Ibrox.
- His omission from the Denmark squad and time on the training pitch can be the launch-pad he requires.
- He can still make a crucial contribution to Rangers in the title race, starting on Saturday against Dundee United.
Andreas Skov Olsen was greeted with a rapturous applause from the Ibrox support when he walked out of the tunnel following the announcement of his loan move from Wolfsburg in January.
However, it would be fair to say that the 26-year-old has not exactly set the heather alight with only one goal and two assists so far.
Rangers have an option for a permanent transfer in the summer for a deal worth around £8 million with Danny Rohl refusing to be drawn on any conversations until the end of the season.
Therefore with seven games remaining, now is the perfect time for the Dane to recapture the form that excited the Rangers faithful in the first place.
Fresh opportunity for Andreas Skov Olsen
Skov Olsen’s snub from Denmark’s World Cup qualifiers means he has had a free week on the grass with Rohl to work on improving his abilities in the final third while the upcoming training camp break to Spain will provide another opportunity for the Dane, while also removing himself from the pressure of a title-race.
Amongst, what surely is a desire within himself to rediscover his fondness for hitting the net, Wolfsburg are embroiled in a battle to avoid automatic relegation from the Bundesliga and the Dane must be aware that he is playing for his future, whether at Ibrox or not.
Also, the limited time period between matches from February until the international break, although part and parcel of being a Rangers’ player, coping with that and acclimatising to Scottish football can be difficult.
So, perhaps the break gone by and the upcoming trip to Spain will be just what is needed for Andreas Skov Olsen to make his mark.
As for Rohl, the German will be keen to tap into the flashes of promise that Olsen has shown in his ten appearances thus far, not only his goal in the rout over Kilmarnock, but particularly his assists in the 2-2 draw at home to Celtic and 4-2 win against Heart of Midlothian, which has demonstrated the talent he possesses, however, sparse.
The manager has made this group of players hard to beat and should be lauded for achieving as much, but it is clear that Olsen has struggled to adapt to his demands for high intensity.
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The past fortnight has offered Skov Olsen more time on the training ground to adapt and coupled with the opportunities to further develop player relationships and get to grips with Rohl’s demands, should benefit himself and the club for the all important title run-in.
It is now or never for the 26-year-old, given his need to impress and the urgency of the situation at Ibrox.
Just seven games remain in the season with very little margin for error if Rangers are to be champions of Scotland once again.
Andreas Skov Olsen still has time to play a key role, starting on Saturday when Rangers take on Dundee United.
