Steven Gerrard's Rangers are flying high at the top of the Scottish Premiership and the battle for places is tougher than ever. 

The Light currently have 12 stars out on loan in Scotland and beyond at present in a bid to give players some much needed game time. 

From academy talents to out of favour first team squad members, Herald and Times Sport have examined how the Rangers loanees performed over the weekend. 

Glenn Middleton (St Johnstone) – 2 appearances 0 goals

The Scotland under-21 international got his first real taste of action for St Johnstone when introduced off the bench against Celtic on Sunday.

Middleton looked sharp in his 20-minute cameo appearance and had a number of direct runs at the Hoops defence plus a couple of shots on goal.

Ultimately the McDiarmid Park side missed out on taking anything against Neil Lennon’s team, but the winger will look to build on his substitute appearance when Saints take on Motherwell this weekend.

Glasgow Times:

Brandon Barker (Oxford) – 3 appearances 1 goal

Barker was on the winning side for Oxford on Sunday as The Us defeated Wigan in England’s League One.

The Rangers winger provided a pinpoint cross for Oxford’s first goal of the afternoon as Sam Winnall crashed home a header to cancel out a Callum Lang opener.

The home side then managed to take all three points as central defender Elliott Moore bundled home an effort with just seven minutes left on the clock.

Jordan Jones (Sunderland) – 4 appearances 0 goals

Jordan Jones entered the action late on as Sunderland fired four past Doncaster in League One on Saturday.

All the headlines were about striker Charlie Wyke, who netted all four goals at the Stadium of Light.

Doncaster were gifted a consolation via a Lee Burge own goal after 50 minutes on the clock. Jones came on in the 82nd minute for Aiden McGeady, who assisted all four goals.

Ben Williamson – 6 appearances 0 goals

Ben Williamson played 80 minutes as Arbroath picked up a well-earned point on the road against Alloa on Saturday.

Jack Hamilton opened the scoring in the 24th minute for the Red Lichties, but the strike was cancelled out at the death when Innes Cameron scored for Alloa on 90 minutes.

Arbroath now welcome Raith to Gayfield Park on Saturday February 20.

James Maxwell – 19 appearances 2 goals

James Maxwell played another 90 minutes for Queen of the South as they earned a point against Hearts on Friday night.

Ayo Obileye opened the scoring from the penalty spot just before half-time for the Doonhamers, but it didn’t prove to be enough.

Liam Boyce was on hand to save the day for the Jambos as he tucked away a 90th minute spot kick to rescue a point for the Championship league leaders.

Rhys Breen – 3 appearances 0 goals

Rhys Breen was also involved for Queens during their Friday night showdown with Robbie Neilson’s Hearts.

The defender was handed a third start by Allan Johnston and impressed in a solid defensive display.

Dapo Mebude – 3 appearances 0 goals

Glasgow Times:

Dapo Mebude led the line for Queen of the South during Friday’s game.

The striker caused problems in the Hearts defence and led the line well for the home side.

He was flashed a yellow card in the dying stages, following the late Liam Boyce penalty.

Postponements

Jamie Murphy (Hibs), Stephen Kelly (Ross County), Josh McPake (Harrogate Town), Kai Kennedy (Raith Rovers), Lewis Mayo (Dunfermline).