Rangers could now land ‘blessing in disguise’ after Dundee controversy – Neil Lennon
Dens Park being unplayable could be a “blessing in disguise” for Rangers as they avoid having to play after a big European night, says Neil Lennon.
The former Hibs and Celtic boss told PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show (18 March) that while it was “unacceptable” for games to be rained off in 2024 the fact that the trip to Dundee was postponed might work in Philippe Clement’s favour after a draining Europa League clash with Benfica three nights earlier.
And Tam McManus agreed, suggesting that the ever-mounting injury issues at Ibrox will get a chance to ease now and potentially leave the Gers with an “easier game” when it is rearranged as they can tackle it with a stronger squad.
Lennon said (8m): “The flip side of the Rangers thing for me is the big game Thursday night would have taken a lot out of them. 12 o’clock kick-off on a Sunday would have been difficult for them, heavy pitch.
“It might be a blessing in disguise for them. They’ve got the international break now, where I know some of the players might be away but once they get the players back an extra game’s not going to make much of a difference at this time of the season.”
McManus concurred: “For Rangers it’s going to be a busy time but obviously they’re out of Europe so that helps with the fixture congestion. But I totally agree with Neil.
“I think the injuries that they’ve got as well at the minute, they’re starting to mount up. And I think it could be a good thing that game’s off. A midweek game with a stronger squad I think that could be an easier game.”
Rangers to benefit for Dens Park farce?
As with most things in football it will depend on what comes next whether it proves to be a positive or a negative, and right now it could go either way.
In many ways Clement would have wanted to get straight back into action to get over the frustration of being knocked out of Europe, and he will not be pleased with the momentum break being compounded.
That it allowed Celtic to go into the break having gained the psychological boost of going back top of the SPFL will also be unhelpful.
But it is a valid point that perhaps Rangers might have met with downsides to playing on Sunday and this way they could pick up greater momentum at some point further down the line.
For now it will depend greatly on where the match is inserted in the calendar, since if it is dumped in between the games against Hibs (30 March) and Celtic (7 April) that would look pretty unwelcome.
Having bothered to travel to Dens Park is would have been a pain for the Rangers squad either way to have to leave again without a game, but it has happened now so the manager and his players will have to do what they can to ensure it can be spun positively.
In other Rangers news, one of the Light Blues’ best players is now expected to leave at the end of the season.
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