Rangers team news v Ross County as Allan McGregor dropped after sickness bug
Rangers manager Michael Beale has confirmed the reason for Allan McGregor’s absence from the starting XI against Ross County was down to a sickness bug which is sweeping through his squad.
The goalkeeper was replaced by Jon McLaughlin in the Gers’ starting lineup for the encounter against Ross County on Friday evening (23 December), as Beale looks to make it three wins out of three since his move to the Glasgow club.
Ben Davies, John Lundstram and Scott Arfield also came into the starting XI in place of James Sands, Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos.
Beale told Rangers’ official club journalist: “Alan came in and was sick.
“He’s fallen foul to a sickness bug which has gone through the squad a little bit, so we’ve lost Alan, but Jon comes in with our full support and confidence.”
Sickness bug strikes again
Losing McGregor will be a blow to Beale, with the goalkeeper a key figure in the dressing room at the Ibrox club and a proven leader on the pitch.
He was, however, not at his best against Aberdeen, and this could possibly be explained by the sickness bug that he has now picked up. He should have done better with both the goals Beale’s side conceded in the remarkable 3-2 victory in midweek, and a start for McLaughlin is well deserved.
The sickness bug couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Gers, with the hectic festive period a challenge already physically without the complications of illness added into the mix.
If Rangers can get away from Ross County with three points, they will certainly feel they can pounce on Celtic in the Old Firm Derby in the New Year, with the two sides set to meet on Monday 2 January.
In other Rangers news, the club are now fancying their chances of a major January transfer after Fabrizio Romano’s update with a move on the cards.