Rangers down to bare bones after new injury update, Dujon Sterling could start
It appears that Dujon Sterling is set for more time on the pitch as Rangers’ injury problem rears its ugly head, according to the Daily Record.
The newspaper reported in its print edition [11 December, page 37] that setbacks to Tom Lawrence, Nico Raskin and Ryan Jack could open the door for Sterling to make his third start of the season in the ViaPlay Cup final.
While the 24-year-old is primarily a full-back by trade, Philippe Clement chose to use him in midfield off the bench on Saturday and that could be a possibility moving forward.
With the Gers forced to play with 10 men against Dundee FC last time out, due to Jose Cifuentes’ red card moments before the half-time break, Sterling was brought into midfield for an extra line of defence and a sense of stability.
“The Belgian [Clement] is down to the bare bones in midfield with Ryan Jack, Nico Raskin and Tom Lawrence forming a queue outside the physic’s room while Kieran Dowell is clearly not in his plans,” David McCarthy wrote.
“Clement will have Cifuentes available for that one [Europa League match vs Real Betis], which will most likely mean a return to the bench for Sterling.
“But the cup final is crooking its finger at the 24-year-old after his assured 45-minute display in their 3-1 win over Dee. A tactical tweak saw him play the entire second half in central midfield.”
A ready-made replacement
Coming from Cobham Training Centre with Chelsea, Sterling has experienced over a century of appearances via loan spells at Coventry City, Stoke City, Blackpool and Wigan.
It may have been a tough start for the defender at Ibrox since making the switch last summer but it seems that he has finally managed to find a way into the team. That is not something to turn your nose up at.
Despite just one start all season, with 10 more substitute appearances, Sterling looked self-assured against Dundee and has made his case to Clement as to why he should start more frequently, with Real Betis, Aberdeen in the League Cup, and the Old Firm derby all on the horizon.
Sterling has a slight feeling of arrogance about him, but mostly a strong confidence oozing from him after the fine display at the weekend. A goal in the dying minutes would have topped off the performance but was denied by the post.
He could be a very important player under Clement in the coming weeks, especially with the injury problem resurfacing at the club. If Sterling is called upon, we now know he is ready to put everything on the line for Rangers.
In other Rangers news, a Gers regular will be sweating over his starting spot for the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen after comments made by Clement.