‘Could be his chance’ – Exclusive: Alex McLeish backs Rangers 23y/o to start v St. Mirren
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has backed Rangers forward Cedric Itten to get his chance against St. Mirren on Wednesday evening.
The Bears travel to the SMISA Stadium looking to progress into the Semi-Finals of the Scottish League Cup and continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Steven Gerrard will be tempted to make changes, with one of those enforced after accepting a two-game ban for Alfredo Morelos.
That leaves a spot for either Itten or Jermain Defoe, and McLeish has admitted that the Gers need to keep their confidence levels high.
Talking exclusively to Ibrox News, McLeish said, “It could be the turn of Cedric Itten to get a chance now.”
“It could be his chance, and also we’re still getting magic from Defoe when he makes his appearance and cameo role. That’s great to have for Steven.
“The strikers are pitching in, they’re all in good form and it’s trying to keep that in a bottle and not letting it out – keeping confidence levels are so vital.”
The Swiss forward hasn’t had many chances to impress this season but certainly caught the eye in the Europa League win over Lech Poznan last week.
Itten scored one of his three shots on goal, as well as completing three dribbles and winning five of his aerial duels according to WhoScored.
The 23-year-old will be itching to take his chance and could line up in the final third alongside Defoe, in what could be a potent attacking line-up.
In the previous round against Falkirk, Itten and Defoe started alongside Ianis Hagi in the final third, and that could be the three that take to the field tonight.
In other Rangers news, Derek Ferguson shares verdict on finishing season as invincibles