Jason Holt could be set for an earlier than expected return to Rangers after Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton admits he fears the midfielder’s season has been cut short by a knee injury.
The on-loan playmaker had to be stretchered off just 14 minutes into the weekend’s victory over Accrington Stanley and will undergo a scan to determine the severity of the problem.
Should the 26-year-old be told that he will not be able to play again this term, Holt would likely return to the Ibrox club to begin his rehabilitation.
Former Rangers midfielder Barton, however, is keeping his fingers crossed that Holt, who still has another year left on his contract with Steven Gerrard’s side, will be available for selection in the coming weeks.
Barton said: “I don’t want to speculate but I’ve been there and made those tackles as a player - it usually opens up your medial ligaments.
“You don’t ever want to see a player stretchered from the pitch but hopefully it is the better side of whatever we think it is.
“If it is the worst side, then it probably puts him out for the season.
“He has been outstanding for us – a real team man, team player.
"I said in the dressing room at half-time, ‘Let’s make sure we get the three points for Jason.
“Hopefully the scans come back good because he has been a credit to his profession.”
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Speaking last week, Holt, who made his 36th appearance on Saturday, admitted the temporary switch had been a success.
He said: “I’m really enjoying it here. The aim was to come here and play the majority of the games - I have done that.”
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