Andy Halliday shares ‘huge positive’ for Rangers ahead of Celtic final at Hampden
Andy Halliday says having Abdallah Sima and Dujon Sterling back available is a “huge positive” for Rangers ahead of the Celtic showdown.
Sima returned from a month-long lay-off in the 3-3 draw with Hearts at the weekend, a game in which Sterling came on in the second half.
The Gers could be without seven others next weekend for the Scottish Cup final with Celtic at Hampden Park.
Speaking ahead of that match on Clyde1 Superscoreboard [20 May, 15m 50s], Halliday said: “The huge positive Rangers can take from the [Hearts draw] is that there are no more injuries.
“They’re already stripped to the bare bones as it is going into the Scottish Cup final. They’ll be desperate to have at least two or three bodies back. It’s a huge positive that Abdallah Sima and Dujon Sterling are back in the squad.”
Rangers hoping to get players back for Celtic clash
Philippe Clement could have done with an extra week’s break before the Celtic game in order to give every injured player a chance to recover.
Ultimately, though, if a player has not featured for more than a few weeks, it would be too risky to throw them in for the cup final anyway.
Sima’s return has come at a good time, but you have to wonder just how fit he is. An appearance from the bench is surely most likely.
Some injuries are bigger than others, with centre-back of particular concern right now and Clement having to plug gaps.
This match will effectively define the Gers’ campaign, so there is plenty of pressure on Clement and his players to get the job done.
Whoever is selected at Hampden, they need to ensure they put in the best performance of the season to make amends for the poor end to the league campaign.
In other Rangers news, club scouts are monitoring a record-breaking player.
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