Stephen Farrell has been left frustrated that Rangers loanee Jay Hogarth is unable to play for Dumbarton against his parent club on Saturday (20 January).
Speaking to The Scottish Sun on Wednesday (17 January), the Sons boss said there was no issue between the two clubs about the 20-year-old keeper playing against the Gers in the Scottish Cup fourth-round clash.
But he added that the SFA don’t allow a player to feature against their parent club in a cup tie as he called for the rules to be reviewed in the future.
“There was no issue between Rangers and Dumbarton over Jay playing and both clubs agreed to let him play,” said Farrell. “But the rules don’t allow him to play. The rules of the governing body don’t allow a player to play against their parent club in a cup tie.
“It’s something that needs to be reviewed because for Jay it’s about development. It’s about experiencing big games, big cup ties. Ultimately he’s then going to go back to his parent club with better experience.
“It’s something that needs to be looked at in the future.”
It’s pretty ridiculous that the SFA’s laws are so clear-cut on this issue because it should really be down to the two clubs to come to an agreement between themselves.
It’s often the case that teams don’t want their own players to play against them, but they should be the ones who are making that decision.
In this instance, it would have allowed Hogarth to get a taste of what it’s like to play in a big game, something that would potentially have benefited the Gers down the line.
But it’s yet another incidence where the governing body has got the situation wrong to add to the catalogue of errors it’s made in recent times.
The Light Blues will, however, be looking to ensure it’s a relatively straightforward outing against the League Two side as they look to earn more trophies this season.
In other Rangers news, a player the Gers want to sign has been offered a “lucrative” contract.
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