Rangers trio would be ‘big loss’ as injury news emerges for Viaplay Cup final clash v Celtic – Kenny Miller
Kenny Miller admits Malik Tillman, Ryan Jack and John Lundstram being deemed unfit for Rangers’ Viaplay Cup final clash against Celtic would be a “big loss”.
The Gers face a potential extended injury list for Sunday’s pivotal League Cup final clash with their fierce rivals.
Tillman was only cleared to return to training on Thursday [Daily Record 22 February] after suffering an injury against Livingston, while Jack is unlikely to be risked for Sunday with a calf problem.
Also, Lundstram who suffered a twisted ankle against Ross County is also unlikely to feature and Miller speaking to Clyde 1 SuperScoreboard podcast [as transcribed by Glasgow Live, 25 February] said the two experienced heads will be a big loss, but expects Tillman to be fit.
He said: “Lundstram and Jack in particular are experienced players.
”They have real experience of the fixture over the last few seasons. Two of the three players who were pivotal in Rangers making the Europa League final last year. They would be a big loss.
“Tillman is one of a number of players since Michael Beale’s come in, who seems to have taken his game up. He seems to be enjoying football again; he’s been scoring, he’s been assisting and has looked a proper footballer.
“Now he’s right back on his game. He’s got an end product with goals and assists and is a big old size of a lad as well. He would be a big loss.
“I think he’ll be fit.”
Major loss
Beale potentially being without key performers in Lundstram and Jack is simply unthinkable for the Gers fans considering their experience and vital importance to the Ibrox cause.
The two players are literally Beale’s trusted two midfield dynamos and losing both is certainly a major loss. How the Gers plan to cope without them will certainly be intriguing to watch on the day.
There are reports stating that Lundstram could yet make the tie, but it doesn’t look like the club will risk him despite the significance of Sunday’s derby. Tillman could certainly make the game after returning to injury.
However, Lundstram and Jack’s potential absence could well pave the way for Glen Kamara to stake his claim for a permanent place in Beale’s setup, and also January signing Nicolas Raskin who may well be thrown in the deep end at Hampden Park.
In a game of such vital importance to Beale and his men, the former QPR boss will need 100% from every one of his first team options if they are to pick up their first piece of silverware together.
In other Rangers news, a Celtic hero has admitted Beale wasn’t wrong about his assessment of Chris Sutton’s Chelsea career.