Leon King to start: Rangers predicted XI v Stirling Albion
Leon King could be in line for a first Rangers start when Rangers face fourth-tier Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup on Friday.
The young defender, described as a “wonderkid” (Birmingham Mail), recently signed a new contract amid interest from Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa, declaring his love for the Light Blues as the reason he never considered leaving (Scottish Sun), and could be set to demonstrate that.
And striker Cedric Itten could lead the line, after a late substitute appearance at Aberdeen, following his recall from loan at Greuther Fürth due to a lack of game time (Glasgow Times).
After dropping points in the 1-1 draw at Pittodrie during the week Giovanni van Bronckhorst will want to get back to winning ways, but with three divisions difference between the sides, plenty of changes are expected.
Ryan Kent was sent off in that game and will be suspended anyway, and Joe Aribo is still away on international duty with Nigeria.
The manager also has a number of injuries in the squad, including Kemar Roofe, Leon Balogun, Steven Davies and Scott Arfield, and although one or two might feature it probably won’t be from the start.
Jon McLaughlin should come in as keeper to give Allan McGregor a rest, and captain James Tavernier may remain to maintain some continuity in the team.
Borna Barisic keeps his place while Jack Simpson comes in at centre-back to partner the young star King in defence.
Ryan Jack should be available after injury to anchor the midfield trio, with substitute on Tuesday John Lundstram promoted to the starting line up, and Juninho Bacuna will look to kick on from his summer move.
Scott Wright is the other man to keep his place, as the two other Gers introduced off the bench at Aberdeen, Itten and Fashion Sakala move into the first XI.
In other Rangers news, this Ibrox star has raved about one of his new teammates.