Kenny Miller urges Rangers to unleash ‘secret weapon’ Rabbi Matondo v PSV
Kenny Miller believes “secret weapon” Rabbi Matondo could hold the key to Rangers overcoming PSV in Champions League qualifying.
The sides meet at Philips Stadion on Wednesday [30 August] with the play-off tie locked at 2-2 following a thrilling first leg in Glasgow earlier this week.
Matondo was on the scoresheet at Ibrox, with that his first goal for the club since joining from Schalke in July 2022.
PSV will therefore now be more aware of what the Welshman is capable of, but Miller is still backing him to make an impact in the Netherlands – even if that is as a substitute.
Writing in his Daily Record column on Sunday [27 August], BBC Scotland pundit Miller said: “Could Rabbi Matondo be Rangers’ secret Champions League weapon against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night?
“Six months ago, that might have seemed like a ridiculous notion. Not now after his stunning strike in midweek.
“Up until now, there’s been no end product. Sometimes with speedy players, because they’re moving at 100mph, it’s hard to calm the brain down and make good decisions on the pitch.
“That’s something he has to work on. But currently, he’s an asset to Rangers. Would I start him in Holland for the second-leg? Despite his big moment on Tuesday night, I would still use him as an impact sub.”
Big call to make
Michael Beale will surely be tempted to use Matondo from the start against PSV on the basis of last week’s first leg, but Miller has a point.
Matondo looked superb when being introduced from the substitutes’ bench in the second half as he was given an opportunity to get at PSV’s tiring defenders.
With the scoreline locked at 2-2, Rangers will no doubt want to keep things as tight as possible in the opening hour.
The onus will then be on PSV to try to find a winner in normal time in front of their expectant fans, potentially opening up some gaps at the back.
That will be the ideal time to bring on pacey winger Matondo, whose confidence will be at a high after his well-taken strike in the first leg.
Either way, Beale has an extra option to choose from in the final third after Matondo’s impressive turnaround in form at Ibrox, something no Rangers fan saw coming this time last month.
In other Rangers news, a player is now on the verge of finalising an exit from Ibrox.