Ridvan Yilmaz, John Souttar and Leon King available for Rangers v Raith Rovers after injuries – Michael Beale
Rangers are set to welcome back Ridvan Yilmaz, John Souttar and Leon King to their match day squad for the Scottish Cup clash with Raith Rovers, says Michael Beale.
The Gers have been dealt with injury blows all season but the boss is now welcoming back several first-team players, making the squad stronger and giving him more decisions to make.
And Beale has admitted that all three players will be available for the game after their recent fitness issues, but says during his pre-match press conference he will pick the strongest team possible for the game despite it being against Championship opposition.
“It will be the strongest team possible for the game,” he said (10 March).
“One or two bumps but nothing major. Ridvan, Souttar and King are all available for selection at the weekend.”
Options
It’s been a long time coming for Michael Beale to have a full squad to choose from, and we’re finally edging towards that being the case.
John Souttar has barely featured since signing for the club because of injury, Leon King has been with the B-team recovering recently and Ridvan Yilmaz hasn’t played yet under Beale after getting injured during the World Cup break.
All will eventually get a chance to earn their place in the side, but Beale knows this competition is paramount to keeping the fans on side after a shoddy campaign and he must go full strength.
They already lost the Viaplay Cup final, the title race is all but done and this is their only chance of preventing Celtic from winning another treble. It’s essentially a must-win competition, so Beale can take no chances.
Expect minutes in this game for these players, but not from the start, and eventually a chance to earn the shirt long-term before the season is up.
In other Rangers news, the club have sent scouts to watch this European CB ahead of a potential summer transfer.