Ibrox View: Pundit surely wrong over Rangers ‘headache’ claim after standout showing v Braga
RANGERS OPINION
It’s no exaggeration to suggest that Rangers have been poor of late.
The Gers have fallen well behind in the Scottish Premiership title race, and while it may not be a foregone conclusion, it is going to take a minor miracle for Steven Gerrard’s men to haul themselves back into contention.
While the inquest is still ongoing as to what has gone wrong since the winter break, one key area that has been a source of uncertainty is the heart of defence.
Initially relying on George Edmundson in the Scottish Cup, before reverting back to type and reintroducing Nikola Katic to his starting XI for most of January and February, there has long since been a feeling that Gerrard isn’t overly certain on who should be partnering Connor Goldson at centre-back.
And this is a point that has been reiterated by former Kilmarnock defender Alex Bruce.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “It’s been a concern, Stevie will be worried and a bit concerned about how the players have reacted to going to Celtic and having such a great performance and result, since then they’ve been poor.
“They’ve dropped silly points in certain games and conceded sloppy goals. He’s got a headache but I think it’s one of them, what can he really do at this stage of the season?
“He’s just going to have to make the best of what he’s got and try to take the regular pairing of who’s going to play most of the season.”
But any doubt over who should get the nod against Hearts on Saturday evening will surely have been dispelled after Wednesday night’s 1-0 win over SC Braga.
Gerrard once again turned to George Edmundson in that match after Katic put in a horror show performance against St. Johnstone at the weekend, and his decision was more than vindicated.
With three aerial duels win, eight clearances made, and a trio of blocks, tackles, and interceptions, as per Whoscored, he was a rock throughout, and deservedly won man of the match.
If Gerrard is running a meritocracy at Ibrox – and there’s been no signs to suggest anything but that during his tenure – then his choice is clear at the weekend and, contrary to Bruce’s assertion, his headache should disappear too.
In other Rangers news, ‘Colossal’ – Ex-Gers hero bowled over by ‘superb’ Ibrox talent v Braga.