Roofe returns, Cifuentes, Jack and Sima axed – Confirmed Rangers XI v Ross County
Michael Beale has made three changes to his Rangers starting XI to face Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium on Saturday (26 August).
The Gers confirmed the team news on their official Twitter account, with Kemar Roofe back among their forward line, where Sam Lammers also returns in the front three.
Jose Cifuentes and Ryan Jack are two players from the side that drew 2-2 with PSV at Ibrox on Tuesday (August 22) to drop to the bench, with John Lundstram brought into the fray.
Abdallah Sima – a scorer against PSV in that Champions League play-off first leg tie – is also among the substitutes, with Lammers taking his spot in the front three with Roofe and Cyriel Dessers.
There is also a spot on the bench for attacking midfielder Tom Lawrence, who has not featured in a year due to a serious knee injury.
Stay focused
There is no doubt that an away trip to Dingwall, a near 400-mile round trip, is not what Michael Beale would have chosen between a crucial Champions League play-off tie against PSV with the riches of the group stages on offer.
But that is the hand his side have been dealt, so these are the cards Beale and his side must play.
And, frankly, there can be no room for taking their eyes off the task at hand. Yes, the trip to Eindhoven is hugely important, both from the prestige standpoint of playing in the Champions League group stages, and the financial rewards that brings.
But they still have a job to do domestically and Rangers must first try and navigate their way through a tricky afternoon, and return to Glasgow with three points.
Winning breeds confidence and what better way to head into the second leg, in a tie locked at 2-2, than with an important win in the Scottish Premiership.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale has revealed the timeline for a decision on Steven Davis’ future.