‘I don’t think many Rangers fans will agree’ – Halliday makes line-up claim ahead of Old Firm
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday has said he would like to see Brandon Barker or Jordan Jones start in Saturday’s Old Firm.
The Gers travel to Celtic Park on Saturday looking to assert dominance over their city rivals by taking three points on the road, just as they did last season.
Halliday, who now plays for Hearts, spoke to Open Goal and claimed he would like to see either Jones or Barker start against the Bhoys because of the pace both players possess.
He said, “I would like to see them play with pace, in the front three, the way Scott Arfield has been playing in midfield, he will play there. If he plays Arfield in the front three then it is more, how do we stop Celtic?
“I don’t think many Rangers fans will agree with me, but I would play Barker or Jones. They’ve got have to have the pace. [Steven] Davis, Arfield and [Ryan] Jack and then somebody in the front three with pace with Ryan Kent.”
Barker has made six appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season, scoring in the Gers’ last outing against Ross County. Fringe player Jones also has one league goal this season, but he has only made two appearances.
Barker may be more likely to start as he has played more first-team football this season, but Jones has impressed on his few outings. It all rather depends on what system Steven Gerrard decides to utilise, he could play Ianis Hagi on the wing with both Barker and Jones on the bench.Saturday’s Old Firm is a huge game even though it is still early in the season and Gerrard will need to get his team selection right if he is to guarantee that the Gers will take three points from their rivals.
A win could give Rangers a huge boost as they start their Europa League group stage campaign later that week, but a loss could prove to be a huge blow as it gives Celtic the upper hand in their quest to win their tenth successive title.
In other Rangers news, Athletic journalist has delivered on update on Morelos after Colombia’s 2-2 draw with Chile.