Rangers boss Philippe Clement stuns pundit with surprise Cole McKinnon decision
Cole McKinnon must be “absolutely in heaven” after making his first Rangers appearance of the season away at Benfica, according to Alan Rough.
The former Scotland keeper reacted with surprise on PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show on 8 March after Philippe Clement brought the 21-year-old off the bench in the 2-2 Europa League draw, admitting that the Belgian is not afraid to use his squad amid ongoing injury issues.
Rangers were without a host of attacking options for the trip to Lisbon, leading to a host of youngsters being named in the squad, but the manager was comfortable bringing the lesser-spotted midfielder on for a high profile clash.
Peter Martin said (13m 50s): “I have to say in fairness to Philippe Clement, and he hasn’t mentioned it at times, they had injuries. There’s still key players no available to them and they’re still producing the likes of that draw to Benfica.”
Rough replied: “Yeah they certainly are. Anybody that’s coming in they’re doing well. Young Cole McKinnon, who was at Partick Thistle last year, was thrown into a European tie.
“God he must be absolutely in heaven with that, I don’t know how that came about, but he’s not frightened to throw these kind of players in there. He’s training with them, he knows how good they are.”
Alan Rough stunned by Philippe Clement as weakened Rangers draw at Benfica
Clement would probably rather not be obliged to have to rotate his options quite so much but the injury issues at Ibrox show no sign of abating.
However it is to his credit that he is willing to do so, as the confidence it shows in peripheral options should motivate players if they know there is a realistic chance of featuring.
Too many managers refuse to use anyone outside of the regular first team options and would rather play a senior player well out of position rather than show faith in a youngster.
McKinnon, hasn’t been seen in the Rangers first team since he scored on debut against Hearts almost two years ago, so it was unexpected for him to come off the bench to replace goalscorer Dujon Sterling in the Estadio de Luz.
The former Chelsea man himself was well down the pecking order under Michael Beale earlier this season, despite the former manager’s previous connection thought to be part of the reason he came to Ibrox in the first place, but has become increasingly impressive under Clement.
A squad that looked so lacking a few months ago certainly appears to be more than the sum of its parts under the manager’s direction, and while the major injury issues are a substantial concern it softens the blow slightly to see unexpected figures stepping up.
Despite so many players being out the Gers returned from Portugal with plenty of opportunity to advance in Europe, which has been tipped to contribute to his opposite number being out of a job.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues will be on alert as Lawrence Shankland drops strongest exit hint yet.
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