KEVIN THOMSON reckons Ryan Kent's current form slump is down to a lack of confidence.

The Rangers wideman has failed to hit the heights of last term when his key performances helped the Govan outfit into the Europa League final.

Kent has been a shadow of himself this term and he will be free to talk to other clubs regarding a pre-contract when the January transfer window opens.

Speaking about the winger, Thomson said: “It’s a confidence thing for me with Ryan.

“We all know how much quality he has got ­— it’s undeniable. But he’s going through a tough time right now.

“He’s lacking a bit of belief and confidence as an individual.”

Meanwhile, Giovanni van Bronckhorst wants Rangers to conclude their Champions League campaign against Ajax next week with “heads held high” after the 3-0 defeat to Napoli made it five straight Group A defeats.

“It is a chance to get the first points,” said van Bronckhorst, who revealed 18-year-old defender Leon King came off with cramp and will be ready for Aberdeen on Saturday.

“We have to leave the tournament with our heads held high and it is another chance for us to play at home and get the three points at home.

“In every (home) game we have played so far we were right in the game and twice we gave it away in the last 20 minutes. Of course with Napoli with the red card (for James Sands) and three penalties you know it is going to be difficult.

“Against Liverpool they turned up the level with the substitutes they had but we have to give everything to make sure we have a result that we can be proud of at home to Ajax, that is our main task, to get something out of the game.”