Rangers team news v PSV in Champions League with five players set to return
Five Rangers players who were rested by Michael Beale at the weekend are likely to return against PSV Eindhoven, according to David McCarthy.
James Tavernier, Borna Barisic, John Souttar, Nico Raskin and Todd Cantwell were given a breather for the Gers’ 2-1 comeback victory over Greenock Morton on Saturday [19 August] in the second round of the Scottish League Cup.
Providing a team news update for the Daily Record on Monday [21 August, pg 39], McCarthy stated that changes will be made again to bring back those fresh faces.
Raring to go
The home cup clash with second-tier Morton came at a good time for Beale, allowing him to make eight changes in total between European ties.
As Beale himself hinted towards after the narrow win, the Gers’ starting line-up for the first leg of their Champions League qualifying play-off tie with PSV on Tuesday [22 August] will be similar to the XI that faced Servette last week.
However, some players used the Morton match more than others to stake a claim for a starting spot, with Cyriel Dessers on target from the penalty spot, despite a poor afternoon in front of goal.
Beale is learning about his new-look group every game and will no doubt have a preferred XI in mind for the big matches – and the visit of PSV is as big as they come.
The decision to heavily rotate just about paid off at the weekend, and now Beale has near enough of a fully fit squad to choose from at Ibrox in midweek.
In other Rangers news, forward Danilo sent a message to supporters after advancing in the Scottish League Cup.