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Work in progress was the mantra from Michael Beale on Tuesday evening following the dramatic late rally to return to Glasgow with three points in what was very much an underwhelming performance from his team. Despite taking an early lead, Rangers stagnated, allowing Aberdeen to recover when they were there for the taking.

Not until Scott Arfield’s introduction as part of the quadruple substitution in the second half did Rangers begin to threaten to turn the screw. It all appeared too little too late, then the doubt turned to disbelief as two goals in just over two minutes turned the tide. Given that the team is still struggling to carve out enough quality chances to score, there is more than a case for Alex Lowry to be introduced given that his best work is produced in the final third of the pitch. In fleeting moments, the Auchenhowie product has shown what he is capable of in the first team yet for different reasons, he has not yet been able to force a continued exposure. Even recently in the low-key practice game against Bayer Leverkusen, Lowry’s intelligence on the ball was shown with a few deft touches and measured passes beyond the opposition defence.

Michael Beale is all too aware of what Lowry can do from his previous time at Ibrox. In recent weeks, he has been fully involved with the squad in training having overcome a harsh injury. Prior to the game against Hibs at Ibrox last Thursday, the boss stated regarding his best youth prospects: "I think they know what I think of them. I think young Alex is ripe now, I think he's right there at the stage where he can make a breakthrough.

"With that comes a lot of responsibility because he's got to dislodge someone who is a little bit older, a little bit more streetwise and a bit more experienced in the league.

"But I think he is ready and he will be very close to being in the team tomorrow."

Two games later without action and particularly given the angst from some quarters over Scott Wright’s introduction whilst Lowry was left sitting on the Pittodrie bench, if not now, when?

Rangers Review: (Image: NQ)

In this busy fixture period, Beale has been clear that others in the squad will need to come in and contribute. He stated in Thursday’s press conference ahead of the game against Malky Mackay’s side that five changes will be made to the starting line-up.

READ MORE: Rangers' grit is back but Michael Beale won't be fooled - Four Lads

That throws up a number of permutations but will the great hope Lowry finally prevail to get his start? The manager continued his good cop, bad cop routine in tempering his effusive praise for the 19-year-old with a reminder of the standards that must be maintained: “He’s close. I think there are areas of his game where he is outstanding as a young player and areas in his game that I’d like to see him improve. I think I have to pick and choose the right moments. When he goes in, I expect him to go in and stay in.”

Beale continued, “That’s a big thing for a young player, they train every day and they have to earn the right of their teammates as well and I think at the moment he is really headed in the right direction. As time passes and the group settles, you will see more of Alex Lowry, but only if he deserves it and the place that he’s got to deserve it is every day at training.”

Then there is the question of where he should feature. Undoubtedly in the final third but as an advanced midfielder or more in a central, ‘10’ role? He has even featured in a wide position previously making an impact from the outside in. For now, what matters is that he gets minutes under his belt, to build up his development and experience in the first team so that he can grow as a Rangers player.

If he can do that, as well as maintain the correct application on the training pitch as well as outside of the club as expected, everything else is up to Lowry, himself, in order to fulfil his exciting, untapped potential. All that remains is to be given the platform to perform.