Dumbarton and Rangers loan agreement trumped by SFA rulebook as Sons boss urges beaks to rip it up

Stevie Farrell revealed Rangers were happy for one of their OWN players to try to pull up the shutters for a Scottish Cup shock as he called for a rules rethink.

The Dumbarton boss brought in Jay Hogarth on loan this month after No.1 Brett Long suffered a broken ankle in training just before Christmas. Hogarth, 20, has started both of the League Two club’s games since his arrival but the SFA rule book scuppers eligibility for their fourth-round clash in front of the cameras.

Farrell said: “Believe this or not, both clubs agreed to let him play but rules don’t allow him to play. There was no issue between Rangers and Dumbarton of Jay playing on Saturday. But the rules of the governing body don’t allow a loan player to play in the cup tie. I think that’s something that needs to be reviewed because ultimately for Jay – like any other young player coming from an Old Firm club or a Premiership club – it’s about development.

“It’s about letting them experience games – I know it might be his own club – but big games, big cup ties, because ultimately then he’s going to go back to his parent club with better experiences. I think it’s something that needs to be looked at and reviewed for the governing bodies.”

Put to him the counter point it could potentially put Hogarth in a difficult position, Farrell added: “Absolutely... I wish it had!”

Farrell was assistant manager at Stranraer when they left Ibrox with a point on Boxing Day in 2013, the first League One points Gers dropped that season. He then returned to Govan as Blues boss for a 2-0 defeat at this stage of the competition four years ago.

Now for his latest head-to-head, he’s been able to tap into insight from those who face Philippe Clement’s side more regularly. The