Giovanni van Bronckhorst tipped to make Rangers European changes, Kemar Roofe involved
Rangers should have three systems to face Red Star Belgrade, and it is a “growing certainty” that Kemar Roofe will be part of them, says Jordan Campbell.
The Jamaican forward came off the bench to score the winner against Aberdeen at the weekend after a slow return from injury, and Campbell believes his importance means he is sure to be key as Giovanni van Bronckhorst prepares multiple set-ups for the European tie tonight (Thursday 10 March).
Writing in The Athletic the journalist says: “It leaves Van Bronckhorst with a dilemma as to how he reconciles the fact Roofe is in the top three attacking players in the squad but lacks a natural home in this [4-3-3] shape.
“Van Bronckhorst has shown that he is willing to be flexible, preparing three different systems for the first-leg trip to Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League’s first knockout round and switching to a back three during the second leg.
“It would be remiss of him to not have prepared the same number of options to throw at Red Star Belgrade tonight but, in the aim to find more difference-makers, Roofe being part of any system seems a growing certainty.”
Options
For all the criticism that has been leveled at van Bronckhorst over recent weeks for his reluctance to switch things up, the same can’t be said for the Dortmund games.
The Dutchman got it spot on for both legs as Gers sent the tournament favourites home.
The switch to a back five at half-time of the game at Ibrox was particularly effective, as it nullified any chances of a German comeback.
Domestically has been more of a struggle, and various players have appeared out in the cold of late.
But the manager made a big call to replace Alfredo Morelos, who has otherwise been in sparkling form in 2022, with Roofe last week, and it paid off in a big way.
His scoring record this season, despite the layoff, has been strong with 12, and he could well be needed in at least one of the last-16 legs.
A return to form from the ex-Leeds forward as the fixtures become increasingly crucial on domestic and European fronts would be perfect timing, and could be the difference like it was against the Dons.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist has shared which European superstar he wanted for £3.5million but was told the club couldn’t afford.