Rangers shock as Philippe Clement starts Kieran Dowell over Nedim Bajrami at Dundee United
Philippe Clement’s unexpected decision to hand Kieran Dowell a rare Rangers start at Dundee United is “strange”, says David Edgar.
The Heart & Hand host reacted via X on 15 September after the Light Blues’ line up to face Dundee United was released, with the former Norwich City man making his first start of the season.
The 26-year-old comes in along with Oscar Cortes who is back from injury after playing an hour behind closed doors during the international break, with Deadline Day permanent signing Nedim Bajrami still deemed not ready to start.
Edgar wrote: “Dowell in seems strange.”
James Tavernier keeps Rangers place after exit speculation
Changes were no surprise coming out of the international break after losing 3-0 at Celtic but few would have predicted forgotten man Dowell materialising in the starting line up.
It is easy to forget amid focus on Todd Cantwell and Ianis Hagi that the Michael Beale signing is technically an option for the difficult number 10 position.
But amid injury and a lack of major impact Dowell has been relegated largely to late substitute outings as he’s faded into obscurity since arriving in Glasgow.
Wolfsburg loanee Vaclav Cerny isn’t even on the bench, but Ross McCausland is so if Dowell is playing as a winger it would be a bizarre choice.
And with fans eager to see Bajrami it will be a source of frustration that Clement has opted to leave the Albanian attacking midfielder on the bench after strong praise from his international manager.
Even as a central midfield option Dowell is an unexpected choice when Dujon Sterling is available and hasn’t been used in defence.
The manager has also decided against dropping captain James Tavernier after he was heavily linked with a sudden exit to Turkey in the wake of the Old Firm loss [HITC, 12 September], leaving both Sterling and Neraysho Kasasnwirjo among the substitutes as well.
If Dowell, or Tavernier, now plays a blinder then Clement will look like a genius but they are decisions which risk increasing the pressure on him and his players if they don’t pay off.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are thought not to have the cash to sack Clement even if they want to.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.