Released Rangers star becomes instant hit at new club with hat-trick as Waghorn makes surprise move – Ibrox bulletin

The midfielder was released by the Light Blues in the summer but has hit the ground running with his new team

Ex-Rangers star Tom Lawrence is turning heads down under after netting the first hat-trick of his career.

Lawrence, 31, was released by the Light Blues at the end of last season after an injury-hit three years at Ibrox.

The Wales international arrived from Derby County in 2022 but was restricted to just 69 appearances, scoring 12 and assisting seven.

After months without a club, Lawrence put pen to paper on a short-term deal with A League side Perth Glory in October.

And the experienced playmaker has made a blistering impact with four goals in just seven outings for the Western Australia outfit.

Lawrence stole the show in Sunday’s 3-1 hammering away to Melbourne City, rattling a hat-trick over the reigning champions.

And Perth head coach Adam Griffiths beamed: “He’s a quality player, quality human. The boys love him. He’s a great player and we’re really lucky to have him.

“Three goals. Exceptional. I think he goes up on the wall now in Perth Glory headquarters.”

Lawrence is under contract until June 2026 but the ex-Cardiff City star is already keen to extend his stay well beyond then.

He said: “I love it. I’m not going to lie. It’s a great place to live, and everyone has welcomed me really well. Hopefully I can stay a bit longer.”

Meanwhile Martyn Waghorn has made a surprising return to football by joining a club in the EIGHTH tier of English football.

Former Rangers hitman Waghorn, 35, announced his retirement from the game in February after an impressive 17-year career.

But the striker – who fired Gers to Premiership promotion in 2016 – has made a shock U-turn to play in non-league football for Anstey Nomads.