Connor Goldson could be set to lose Rangers number one role under Philippe Clement
Connor Goldson might lose his regular starting role for Rangers under Philippe Clement next season, according to Derek Ferguson.
The ex-Ibrox favourite feels the 31-year-old defender is probably on the decline of his career after some struggles this season, but still thinks the veteran has plenty to give the club.
He believes Goldson and his compatriot James Tavernier have both been "absolutely" brilliant for Rangers and a too easily criticised.
But as a man who himself has played with some "rank rotten" centre-backs in his time he still views the Gers leader as a very useful member of Philippe Clement's squad, even if he isn't a regular starter.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News he said: “Would you be playing him every game going into next season? Probably not, but probably a valuable member of the squad, because football is about a squad.
“But a little bit like Tavernier, what he’s given to the club has been absolutely brilliant. He gets criticised far too easily, that’s just my opinion, because I played with a lot of centre-halves in my time and some of them were rank rotten by the way.
“But I think he’s a decent player. He’s maybe the wrong age, the wrong side of 30. He’s probably in a decline, it’s clear to see, but I think there would still be room within the squad to keep Connor Goldson on board."
Rangers defence set for new look after summer transfer window?
If the options stay the same then Goldson is bound to still be partnering somebody, likely John Souttar, in the centre of defence, so Clement will need to be successful in the transfer market to demote the former Brighton man.
But if the Belgian can land a new viable starting option then it may be time to look to establish a new first-choice partnership.
Scotland international Souttar is currently playing well enough to be part of it, but his past injury problems prove that there will always need to be viable back up, while based on Goldson's form in recent months he could benefit from moving down the pecking order.
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