Kris Commons expects Aaron Ramsey to be on the bench for Rangers v Celtic
Kris Commons says Aaron Ramsey’s new-found form isn’t enough to get him in the Rangers team for the Old Firm derby this weekend.
Ramsey got his first goal for the club since his January loan move against Dundee before the international break and was excellent for Wales in their World Cup qualifier against Austria.
Now many fans are calling for him to start the big game against Celtic this weekend, but Commons wrote in his Daily Mail column [Page 70, print edition] that he doesn’t see how the 31-year-old gets in the team right now.
“A lot of Rangers fans might be pushing for Aaron Ramsey to start the match after his goal against Dundee last weekend and his performance for Wales against Austria last Thursday,” he said.
“But here’s the thing. I just don’t see how he gets into this Rangers team at the moment. There are too many good players ahead of him and in form.
“Who would you leave out? Ryan Jack? Joe Aribo? John Lundstram? Glen Kamara? I just don’t think Ramsey gets in ahead of any of those guys at the moment.
“Jack is a certainty to play.
“Rangers are a much, much better team with him in the heart of midfield setting the tempo and snapping into tackles.
“Could you maybe play Aribo further forward as part of the front three to accommodate Ramsey in a midfield three along with Jack and Lundstram? For me, that’s the only way he gets into the team.”
Good problems
It seems that for the first time in a while, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has got a good selection headache for his side heading into a big game.
Recent months have seen the team essentially pick itself at times and the performances have justified the selection for the manager with wins over Borussia Dortmund, Red Star, Hearts and Aberdeen.
After the 3-0 thumping against Celtic back in February, the Light Blues have been chasing them in the league table and a win on Sunday would bring them level on points in the title race.
A win is essential for the team and having not lost to Celtic at Ibrox since 2019, having game changers in the team is essential when it comes to separating the top teams.
Ramsey is certainly that and is playing well now for the first time since joining, so his inclusion would certainly be justified. But the team are playing well and van Bronckhorst has a decision to make.
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