Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz could return to action v Raith Rovers in Scottish Cup
Michael Beale appears to have been handed a fitness boost as Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz now looks set to return to first-team action.
The Turkish defender has been named in the lineup for the Glasgow Cup clash against rivals Celtic on 7 March as he makes his return from injury. [Daily Record]
The 21-year-old last played competitively for Rangers in October 2022 as they secured a 4-1 victory over them in the league.
He suffered a hamstring injury in that one and it’s kept him out for over four months which means he’s yet to feature in 2023.
The Glasgow Cup game is a friendly of sorts which gives both sides a chance to play their youngsters, reserves and those returning from injury.
Yilmaz surely would have taken the chance to impress and we’re sure that Beale will be keeping a keen eye on his progress.
Borna Barisic has been disappointing at left-back for the Ibrox outfit and it’s long been overdue that somebody needs to come in and replace him.
The Turk was signed for big money in the summer and just as he looked to get a run in the first team, he suffered an injury.
The league game against Hibs on 8 March may come too early for him but we’re expecting to see him play at least some minutes in the Scottish Cup clash on Sunday against Raith Rovers.
It’s a game Rangers should win comfortably so they can afford to take a punt on Yilmaz despite his lack of match sharpness.
In other Rangers news, a pundit with insider information at Ibrox has shared one condition that will make Douglas Park leave the club.