Brian Laudrup: Kemar Roofe must start for Rangers v Braga
Rangers will face Braga in the Europa League quarter-final second leg at Ibrox on Thursday.
The Gers are 1-0 behind from the first leg, but they are capable of winning the tie at home.
Brian Laudrup has suggested that Giovanni van Bronckhorst should start with Kemar Roofe after he scored a hat-trick against St Mirren last Sunday.
The former Ibrox player also feels that Joe Aribo needs to play. He scored a “brilliant” goal over the weekend, and hinted at returning to his best form.
Laudrup wrote for The Daily Mail (13 April, page 78): “After his hattrick on Sunday, Kemar Roofe has to start up front. But Rangers need to make sure they get bodies close to him. He can’t be left isolated the way he was in the away match against Celtic in February. Ramsey, Aribo, Kent, perhaps also Sakala — they must be given scope to combine with Roofe.
“I also hope the brilliant goal Joe Aribo scored on Sunday can maybe restore some of his energy. Aribo has looked tired ever since he came back from the Africa Cup of Nations.
“People have to understand that players who are inventive live off their football brain. If they get tired, it has an impact. I don’t necessarily mean physically tired but mentally, too. The travelling and everything else can be draining. Sometimes, though, a moment like Aribo had against St Mirren can be enough to lift you through half a dozen or so games until you get a proper summer break. Rangers need him.”
Spot on
Giovanni van Bronckhorst must get his tactics spot on against Braga.
In the previous game, the Gers boss started with Fashion Sakala and dropped Aaron Ramsey, a decision that clearly backfired.
Roofe scored a brilliant hat-trick against St Mirren and he definitely needs to start.
Aribo completely looked lost in recent months, and one could see he was mentally and physically jaded. He needed a strong performance like this to regain his confidence.
Another big decision for the Dutchman will be to select his midfield trio. John Lundstram has been passed fit and he will be ready to face Braga on Thursday.
Ryan Jack should return while Van Bronckhorst must also bring Ramsey into the starting line-up.
Steven Davis looked superb after coming on from the bench in the last match, and Van Bronckhorst must find a way to use him in the match.
In other Rangers news, Club 1872 have bought even more shares n the football club after a big revelation yesterday.