Rangers v Hearts: Amazement at Philippe Clement decision on Connor Goldson for Hampden clash
David Edgar has issued a stunned reaction after Philippe Clement dropped Connor Goldson from his Rangers starting XI to face Hearts.
The Heart & Hand presenter took to Twitter on 21 April after the Belgian’s confirmed line-up was released ahead of the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden, with the centre-back one of a number of notable names axed from the goalless draw at Dundee in midweek.
Leon Balogun is named in the XI alongside John Souttar, with Goldson not starting for only the fourth time in all competitions under Clement and the first time in 17 matches.
Fabio Silva, Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence are also left out in favour of Rabbi Matondo, Cyriel Dessers and Mohamed Diomande as the Light Blues seek a reaction from a major drop off in form to reach a cup final against Celtic.
Leon Balogun finally gets the call for Rangers
Goldson, likes James Tavernier, cops a lot of flack when the Gers are underperforming and to a degree that is expected as they, alongside another underperforming key man in John Lundstram, are considered leaders in this squad.
The defender has been the de factor number one option at centre-back for a number of seasons while inconsistent options have come and gone next to him, so it can’t be overlooked that he has been vital at times.
But his form hasn’t been close to its best for long stretches of this year, while Souttar has belatedly established himself as a more dependable presence.
Balogun may not even be in line for a contract extensive in the summer as he approaches his 36th birthday but has arguably been due elevation to the Rangers side for some weeks.
He may have got it in midweek for the illusive trip to Dens Park were it not for a badly-timed illness in the days prior, but the change has now been made.
Clement had little choice but to switch things up significantly in search of a reaction from his players before the season unravels entirely, and potentially could have gone even further.
The manager has made his choice and now it is up to the players to deliver a performance that suggests they have it in them to win another trophy this season after throwing away the initiative in the title race.
In other Rangers news, a club is now counting down to the signing of a senior Light Blues ace.
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