Rangers: Barry Ferguson wants Philippe Clement to axe two senior stars v Celtic
Barry Ferguson has revealed the two changes he wants Rangers boss Philippe Clement to make to his starting line-up ahead of their Old Firm derby clash with Celtic at Ibrox on 7 April.
The former Gers skipper is hopeful that Ridvan Yilmaz and Dujon Sterling will feature from the start, with Borna Barisic and Scott Wright dropping out – if the pair are fit enough.
Yilmaz picked up an injury on international duty with Turkey and missed out on the 3-1 win against Hibernian last time out – a game in which Sterling made his return from the sidelines, coming on and assisting the third goal.
Writing for the Daily Record, Ferguson named his ideal line-up for the derby: “As a matter of fact, I’ve already picked my starting XI for Sunday assuming that they’re all fit and ready. Jack Butland in goal, James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, John Souttar and Ridvan Yilmaz across the back.
“John Lundstram and Mohamed Diomande at the heart of midfield with Dujon Sterling, Todd Cantwell and Fabio Silva behind Cyriel Dessers who might just have a big moment in him this weekend after working so hard to win over the supporters.”
Rangers would miss Ridvan Yilmaz and Dujon Sterling if they do not start
Both Yilmaz and Sterling offer plenty of qualities that would help Rangers get over the line in what could be a title-deciding Old Firm derby.
Yilmaz, 22, has cemented himself as the Gers’ first-choice left-back ahead of the long-serving Barisic this season – no mean feat given the Croatian veteran’s achievements at Ibrox.
Sterling, meanwhile, has demonstrated the value of his versatility since arriving in Scotland. The 24-year-old has featured in both full-back positions, on both wings and in the centre of midfield.
It is on the right wing that he has been used most recently – and where Ferguson would like to see him start.
Sterling’s defensive discipline would be a useful asset in such a big game, while he also possesses the attacking thrust to threaten at the other end, having scored his side’s second goal in the 2-2 draw away at Benfica in their Europa League last-16 first-leg clash.
If the pair can prove their fitness to Clement and earn starts against Celtic at Ibrox, it will surely boost Rangers’ chances of a potentially season-defining victory.
In other Rangers news, Dave King has speculated about the possibility of ‘net new investment’ at Ibrox.
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