Rangers: Philippe Clement should bring on Leon King for much-needed minutes at HT v Ross County
Philippe Clement should consider bringing on Leon King at half-time in the Rangers game against Ross County on Sunday (14 April).
The 20-year-old was named on the bench for the Gers, with Connor Goldson and John Souttar starting in central defence in Dingwall.
The Scotland U-21 international is desperately in need of some first-team action after injuries have prevented him from breaking into the team this season.
The defender is a highly thought of talent at Ibrox, but a serious injury he suffered last summer led to him missing the first few months of the campaign.
That also meant he wasn’t available when Clement arrived in Glasgow back in October and he hasn’t yet been able to make an impression on the Belgian manager.
The centre-back has so far played just nine minutes in the Scottish Premiership this season – alongside five minutes in the Scottish Cup – with his latest appearance coming against Motherwell back in December.
But the game against Ross County could be the ideal opportunity to hand him some more minutes as he tries to get back up to speed with the rest of the squad.
It wasn’t an entirely convincing start to the game for the Gers defence as the County forwards had a couple of excellent opportunities to hand their side the lead.
But it was the Light Blues who went ahead on 15 minutes when Jack Baldwin put through his own goal following some pressure from John Souttar at the back post from a dangerous set-piece.
Souttar is the man King would be most likely to replace if he were to get an opportunity in the second half, given that he is wearing a bandage around his head after suffering a head injury in the Old Firm draw against Celtic.
After playing a lot of games lately, the Scotland international could perhaps do with a rest ahead of what is going to be a massive few weeks for the Gers.
It would also mean he is fit and healthy heading into the rearranged game against Dundee on 17 April, while King would no doubt benefit from the experience as he looks to force his way into contention at Ibrox.
But Clement may feel that could be too much of a risk, given that the Light Blues only hold a 1-0 lead over County heading into the break.
In other Rangers news, Chris Jack has shared a disciplinary update after what happened to the Gers.
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