Rangers early team news v Hibernian predicted by pundit: Rare start for Adam Devine amid Borna Barisic blow
We’re delighted to welcome Tam McManus as our exclusive Rangers columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Adam Devine could make his first Scottish Premiership start of the season on Thursday when Rangers take on Hibernian at Ibrox, according to Tam McManus.
Although Croatia were knocked out of the World Cup on Tuesday (13 December), it’s very unlikely that Borna Barisic will be available to take on Lee Johnson’s side on 15 December, leaving Michael Beale short of a full-back ahead of his first competitive match in charge.
Devine, 19, has only played twice in the Scottish Premiership before with both appearances coming at the back end of last season in wins over Dundee United and Hearts.
He’s primarily a right-back but does have the ability to play at left-back, which is where he played in the 3-0 friendly win over Beyer Leverkusen last week as Ridvan Yilmaz is injured.
McManus believes there’s a chance Devine will start against Hibs when the Scottish league restarts following the World Cup break after Beale mixed things up a bit with his team selection against Leverkusen.
“It was a great result against Leverkusen,” McManus told Ibrox News.
“I know it’s only a friendly but it’s important to get off to a good start.
“Some of the changes to the team will have raised eyebrows with Devine coming in to play so maybe he’ll get into the team [against Hibs].
“It’ll be a real opportunity for him.
“Barisic won’t be back for Thursday so it’ll be a chance for him to play at left-back.”
In other Rangers news, an out-of-court agreement could be reached for the Gers as documents have been submitted.