Rangers' Ryan Kent celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match at the Hope CBD Stadium, Hamilton (Jane Barlow/PA Wire/PA Images)

Proof that Liverpool’s Ryan Kent has been one of the best players in Scotland this season

Ryan Kent has proved a big success on loan with Rangers this season, and the Liverpool loanee has now been recognised as one of the best players in Scotland.

Kent joined Steven Gerrard‘s side in July, following Ovie Ejaria to Glasgow, but under his fellow academy product he has established himself as a key man.

The 22-year-old has made 40 appearances for the Gers so far, scoring six goals and assisting nine, including setting up the winner in the Old Firm derby against Celtic in December.

He has just returned from suspension after an altercation with Scott Brown in the reverse fixture in March, and is now poised to retain his prominent position until the end of the campaign.

Gerrard has repeatedly stressed his desire to keep Kent at Ibrox beyond this season, and there is no surprise why following the nomination for the Scottish PFA awards.

Up for both Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, Kent is regarded as one of the finest talents in the Scottish Premiership in 2018/19.

He is vying with team-mate Alfredo Morelos and Celtic pair James Forrest and Callum McGregor for the senior honour, while Aberdeen’s Lewis Ferguson and Motherwell duo Jake Hastie and David Turnball are nominated for Young Player of the Year.

One of just four players for each category, and the only player up for both, Kent’s excellent performances for Rangers this season have been rightly lauded.

Whether he takes home either award on Sunday remains to be seen, but simply to be commended by his fellow players is a big step forward after a difficult series of loans.

Andy Robertson of Scotland during the International Friendly match at Hampden Park, Glasgow. Picture date 7th September 2018. Picture credit should read: Richard Lee/Sportimage via PA Images

The last non-Celtic player to win Young Player of the Year was Andy Robertson in 2014, while he was with Dundee United.

It seems unlikely Kent will join Robertson in the Liverpool first team next season, however, as the players has openly discussed the prospect of leaving, and potentially joining Rangers permanently.

Gerrard would certainly be on board, but whether the two parties can negotiate a long-term deal is unclear, with Kent’s awards-season recognition only boosting his value further.