Derek Ferguson

Wed 24 January 2024 10:30, UK

We’re delighted to welcome former Ibrox star Derek Ferguson as our exclusive Rangers columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points in Govan…

Derek Ferguson admits it is frustrating Rangers have not added more firepower yet during the January transfer window but says Fabio Silva “absolutely” has to get his first start against Hibernian on Wednesday (24 January).

The Portuguese forward, 21, arrived at Ibrox on loan from Wolves until the end of the season at the start of this month and made his debut off the bench against Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup on Saturday (20 January).

However, it is reported that Philippe Clement still wants a more out-and-out striker added to his squad before the end of the transfer window to provide competition to Cyriel Dessers with both Danilo and Kemar Roofe injured.

Silva is more of a floating forward but former Rangers man Ferguson thinks he will start as the central striker for the first time at Easter Road in the lieu of fresh faces.

Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “Absolutely, he’s got to (start).

“This is where the frustration comes in, I think it’s expected at least one other in the front line to come into the equation.

“Against Copenhagen, the other night Silva started and Dessers was on the bench. I think Dessers might come off the bench as an impact player, he’s not really shown enough this season.

“I don’t think it’s Silva’s best position, I think you can see he’s a player who likes to come short, link play, drift into different areas, but he’s been asked to play a different role.

“At the moment, as it stands, with no other signings coming in I expect him to play and expect him to lead the line.”

In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement shared a timescale for the return of Abdallah Sima after another injury blow.

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