It’s hard to escape the feeling that the 2023/24 season will be the watershed moment in Alex Lowry’s career. 

The prodigiously talented midfielder possesses the ability to become a first-team regular at Rangers. Creativity, intelligence, technique and passing range - Lowry has these desirable assets in abundance but the jury remains out on whether he will forge a successful career at Ibrox. 

After bursting onto the scene against Stirling Albion in January 2022, Lowry showcased his qualities across some impressive appearances and finished with four goal contributions in seven games. 

But last season was one of stagnation for Lowry, playing just six games for the first-team totalling just over ninety minutes and that led to vacillation over whether he’ll fulfill his undoubted potential. 

A knee injury sidelined the academy graduate for around eight weeks and he also experienced unimaginable grief in his private life - it’s important to acknowledge this factor. 

Lowry is cognizant that last season was a setback in his development as he admitted in a recent social media post.

A recent Instagram post read: "Very disappointing season for me personally. Thank you everyone for the support! We go again next year.”

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It’s a huge source of encouragement that Lowy, not only, recognises the underperformance of last season but he’s actively working to reverse his fortunes moving forward. 

Images of Lowry training hard in the UAE during his off-season should reassure Rangers supporters and indicate an improvement in attitude - an area of concern in the past. 

Players are entitled to let their hair down after a physically demanding season but Lowry’s commitment to maintain his fitness levels are commendable. 

Rangers are back for pre-season at the end of the month and he will be aiming to show Beale that his short-term, and long-term, future remains at Ibrox.

Beale’s comments in January about Lowry were extremely revealing and could be interpreted as a warning to the youngster.

After stressing the importance of playing first-team football, Beale highlighted the ‘hot air’ - constant noise - surrounding Lowry and how that will ultimately have a positive or negative impact on his career.

He said: “In his short term, he’s either got to fight to play or go play somewhere else. 

“But he’s got to fight to show he’s worth playing at Rangers. I like it when a young player has interest around him as long as it is valid.

“Alex has some parts of his game that are excellent and some that a 19-year-old needs to work on. I don’t think the Lowland League prepares players to play for Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership and fighting for cups and playing for Europe.

“If he can’t get on the pitch he needs to go play at a good level for the next period to prove he can play for Rangers. The hot air can help a young player but it can also set him up to fail.”

There was interest from clubs in taking Lowry on-loan in the January window but a move away didn’t materialise for a number of factors. 

However, Beale’s comments about the importance for Lowry to play regularly still rings true and the door isn’t shut on a possible loan move this summer. 

It’s important to remember that he remains just 19 and he needs minutes under the belt as playing in the Lowland League won’t benefit his development as Beale admitted.

Compelling arguments can be made about the benefits and risks of loan moves but ultimately, it is dependent on the individual. 

There can be positives to remaining at a club, training everyday with teammates and under the observation of the manager but Lowry’s situation is different as it’s imperative that he gets regular first-team minutes. 

That could still happen at Rangers next season but he faces strong competition for an attacking midfield role.

Todd Cantwell is a guaranteed starter while Kieran Dowell, Tom Lawrence and Ianis Hagi are arguably ahead of him in the pecking order with a couple of more additions in that area of the pitch expected. 

There’s no rush to make a definitive decision on where Lowry will play next season and pre-season will allow him the chance to impress and for Beale to make a measured judgement. 

The Scottish Premiership returns on August 5th, four weeks before the transfer window closes, and that allows all parties to assess how many minutes he’s likely to get. 

If Lowry has exposure to first-team football and making an impact then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t remain at Rangers next season, but if he’s left on the bench, or in the stands, then it’s imperative that he goes on loan and plays. 

There’s no escaping that last season was disappointing for Lowry, but his ability is unquestionable and an improved mindset provides hope over his future.