Premiership rival could play for 'either Celtic or Rangers' as Liverpool loanee told Old Firm chance awaits
The Dundee United star caught the eye of a former Scotland International in their victory over The Hoops at Tannadice.
Charlie Mulgrew believes Luca Stephenson wouldn’t look out of place at either Rangers or Celtic as the versatile Dundee United midfielder on loan from Liverpool continues to impress on Tayside.
The Englishman made his Tangerines loan switch in the summer of 2024 from Anfield and after being awarded both fans and clubs young player of the season, manager Jim Goodwin decided to enlist him for another year. Stephenson has since been a mainstay in the United starting XI and has nine goal contributions to his name already this season despite often being deployed at wing-back or midfield.
The right-back position at Ibrox has been nailed down by James Tavernier but with the skipper out of contract in the summer, Danny Rohl will have to start thinking about a long term replacement. Mulgrew thinks Stephenson would be an ideal fit for Rangers or his former side, Celtic. Julian Araujo and Marcelo Saracchi are only on loan at Parkhead in the full-back departments.
Liverpool loanee could earn Old Firm chance - Mulgrew
Stephenson was on target in the Dundee derby stalemate and bagged an assist for Will Ferry’s opener in last weekend’s victory over Celtic. Amid his current rich vein of form, Mulgrew told The Breakdown: “Stephenson is good as well, from Liverpool. I think he could play for Rangers or Celtic.”
The 22-year old has been a standout in what has been an up and down season Dundee United, who currently sit seventh in the Premiership table. Goodwin’s side have beaten Celtic twice and remain unbeaten against Rangers so far this season.
Stephenson on personal development at United
United’s 2-0 win over Celtic was Stephenson’s 100th career appearance. Still at a young age, the Liverpool loanee has already gained some valuable experience playing north of the border and has already captained Dundee United when normal skipper Ross Graham and vice captain Ferry were injured. It was a proud moment for Stephenson, who clearly has Goodwin’s trust.
He told his parent club: “Obviously the team has struggled in parts this year for kind of different reasons – new squad, younger squad, a little bit inexperienced at times. But on a personal level, I think I’ve had another really good year, racked the games up and I have contributed more goals and assists than I did last year, obviously with still games to go.
“I think I’ve added more quality, really, this year and added more to my game and more to the team than I did last year, which is really positive on a personal level. It was really good to be named captain. That’s another one of what I kind of alluded to earlier in terms of the trust and the faith that the manager’s put into me really.”
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