Barry Ferguson expects Steven Davis to start in Rangers clash v Annan Athletic
Barry Ferguson expects Steven Davis to make Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s starting line-up when Rangers play Annan Athletic on Saturday.
Van Bronckhorst’s men will make the trip to Galabank as they bid to reach the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.
With a Europa League showdown with Borussia Dortmund next week, it’s likely that van Bronckhorst will ring the changes to his starting line-up and Ferguson predicts veteran Davis to get a rare start.
“I also expect Steve Davis to get a start in midfield against Annan because Giovanni van Bronckhorst is getting all his options back at just the right time,” Ferguson said on the Daily Record website.
“The re-emergence of John Lundstram is another massive bonus and I’m delighted for the Scouser because he’s had a difficult first season settling in at Ibrox and he’s had to deal with a lot of criticism.”
Proving his worth
Davis hasn’t been the player we’re used to seeing this season with the Northern Irishman perhaps starting to show his age a bit.
Last month, the former Aston Villa and Southampton star celebrated his 37th birthday.
Since van Bronckhorst’s arrival, Davis has been left out of all but one of his starting line-ups and only been substituted into two matches.
In total, Davis has played three times for Gio, spending more time on the bench than on the pitch.
He’s also had a knee injury, which hasn’t helped. But ultimately, it’s clear to see that van Bronckhorst favours other options in his midfield.
Ryan Jack’s return to fitness and the revival in John Lundstram’s form have all but put paid to Davis’ hopes of starting matches against Scottish Premiership sides.
He’s still a handy player to have in the squad though and we imagine the 37-year-old has a certain air about himself at Auchenhowie.
Davis’ contract expires at the end of May and we really don’t expect him to get a new one at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, a valuable player will quit Ibrox in the summer and has a move to an English club lined up.