Mohamed Diomande nowhere to be seen – Rangers confirmed XI v Livingston
Philippe Clement’s confirmed Rangers starting XI to face Livingston at Ibrox has been confirmed by the club ahead of kick off.
Following the close of the January transfer window the Gers boss has not named big-money new arrival Mohamed Diomande in the match day squad, but deadline day loanee Oscar Cortes is on the bench.
Jack Butland is as usual in goal, with James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun and Borna Barisic ahead of him.
John Lundstram and Ryan Jack partner in the midfield, with Todd Cantwell, Ross McCausland, and Rabbi Matondo behind Fabio Silva.
That means exit-linked pair Ridvan Yilmaz and Cyriel Dessers are both left among the substitutes, with the former in the midst of heavy speculation over a Galatasaray move.
Rangers fans to get first sight of Cortes?
The January window looks like a qualified success on paper, with two attacking arrivals and an expensive midfielder who the club have high hopes for.
But the lack of a new striker despite injuries to all of Danilo, Kemar Roofe and Abdallah Sima is likely to leave supporters feeling edgy about the upcoming months, and the fact that a left-back wasn’t ultimately possible is a frustration.
Clement’s side have built up a good amount of momentum since the Belgian arrived, and lifting the first silverware of the season in the Viaplay Cup was a major boost.
But it feels like some attacking gaps have been left following the close of the midseason market, so unless some relatively inexperienced options can step up that might be a concern.
Having committed “huge” money to bring in Diomande from FC Nordsjaelland fans would have been hopeful of seeing him in action, so his absence will be a disappointment, but if Cortes gets off the bench he could get an early chance to impress.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have already lined up a “very interesting” new signing for the summer window according to Fabrizio Romano.
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