Rangers have ‘only one’ genuine injury concern ahead of ViaPlay Cup final clash v Celtic – pundit
Tam McManus has suggested Malik Tillman is the “only” player Rangers will be concerned about heading into Sunday’s cup final against Celtic.
Michael Beale is sweating on the fitness of the American along with Ryan Jack, John Lundstram and Scott Arfield.
However, McManus believes the Light Blues’ boss will be fine without the midfield trio heading into the clash at Hampden Park.
“I think Rangers will only be worried about Tillman,” said McManus (PLZ Football Show, 23m 10s, 22 February).
“Lundstram, Arfield and Jack, would they play anyway if they were fully fit?
“Kamara will probably play instead of Lundstram, Tillman is the only concern I think the other three they’d be fine without.
“You’ve got Raskin and Kamara who played against Livingston with Tillman just in front. I think he’s the only one Rangers’ fans would think ‘he’s got to play’.”
Lundstram needed
Despite his strong start to life at Ibrox, it will be a risk to throw Nicolas Raskin straight into the starting eleven. Old Firm clashes are unique and it will be unlike anything the Belgium under-21 international will have ever experienced before.
Lundstram would provide the Light Blues with a bit more physicality and grit in midfield, furthermore, the former Sheffield United man has seen his fair share of Old Firm matches. It seems like a far smarter move to start the 29-year-old if he is deemed fit.
Celtic will look to dominate possession in the middle of the park and Lundstram has formed a promising partnership with Glen Kamara in recent weeks.
The pair were particularly impressive during the recent win over Hearts and if that can be replicated against Ange Postecoglou’s side they certainly have a chance of taking home the first silverware of the season. All eyes will be on Beale’s next press conference to see if he sheds any more light on Rangers’ injury situation.
In other Rangers news, the club are in line for a multi-million windfall from the Premier League after a £10m Auchenhowie milestone was reached.