Ibrox view: Injury concern could give 28y/o big chance to stake Rangers first-team claim
Rangers midfielder Steven Davis gave a typically tireless performance for Northern Ireland against Slovakia on Thursday, but was unfortunate to just fall short.
Playing the full 120 minutes at the age of 35, Davis pulled up late on with what looked to be cramp, but there have been plenty of concerns on social media about the seriousness of the injury.
Given his age, he is a player that needs to have his load managed anyway, but this latest development could lead to summer signing Bongani Zungu being given the chance to start on a more regular basis.
The 28-year-old joined Rangers on October 5 but was forced to wait a month for his debut due to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions.
The South African was outstanding on his Gers debut against Hamilton Academical last Sunday, showing off his brilliant range of passing in the second half during the 8-0 thrashing, completing three long passes (via WhoScored).
Playing the deepest role in the midfield, he completed 35 passes in just 45 minutes, including incisive through balls and raking switches (via WhoScored). One of the great strengths of Davis has been his metronomic passing at the base of midfield, so the fit seems ideal for the 28-year-old, should manager Steven Gerrard choose to call on him.
Of course, the former England man also has Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara who regularly fill those deeper roles, while Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield have been used as part of a midfield three already this season.
Jack was outstanding in the holding role for Scotland in their win over Serbia, completing two tackles, two interceptions and 36 passes on a historic night for his country. However, with the games piling up, Gerrard will need to rotate and the road map to game time for Zungu is looking increasingly clear.
While Kamara is just 25 years old, both Jack and Davis are in their 30s and will need to be managed, with Scottish Premiership, Europa League and international fixtures on the horizon.
Zungu showed during his first appearance that he has plenty of quality and it is likely Gers fans will get the opportunity to see him on a more regular basis going forward.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox view: What can Bongani Zungu bring to the Rangers midfield?