Barry Ferguson shares Robin Propper concern ahead of Rangers v Tottenham
Rangers have fears over “no pace” at the back as Philippe Clement mulls over his side to face Tottenham Hotspur, according to Barry Ferguson.
The former Gers skipper has said he would consider taking Leon Balogun out of the line-up due to his age of 36 up against an expected full-strength attack featuring the likes of Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson at Ibrox.
Ferguson, speaking on the Go Radio Football Show [11 December, 52;10], then admitted Robin Propper has “no pace” and could be in for a tough time against Ange Postecoglou’s attack.
“My team, I would play Balogun, but he is 36 and it’s a quick turnaround. If he’s 26, 28, 30, I wouldn’t have an issue. It might be a change they’ll look to,” he said.
“I like the Souttar and Balogun partnership. I’ve always liked Balogun – I think he’s experienced, reads the game really well and he’s still quick for his age.
“They’re coming up against a team who attack you very quickly. That could be an issue with Propper as he’s blessed with no pace whatsoever. But he has played Propper in the European games.”
Rangers and Tottenham can hurt each other
Rangers and Tottenham will both sense a real opportunity to do some damage on Thursday night, with Spurs’ inconsistency and defensive troubles giving Clement some encouragement.
Likewise, Gers will have their work cut out in their own half, with the firepower Postecoglou will bring back to Glasgow. He will not be taking this one easily.
Just like Tottenham have the Premier League to consider in a quick turnaround, the Light Blues have the matter of looking to retain the Scottish League Cup within less than 72 hours.
Not to mention, the final will be an Old Firm clash with Celtic, and this could be the perfect opportunity to get Rangers’ season off the ground for good.
All signs point to goals at Ibrox on Thursday, and it could well be the “you have a go, we have a go” that may just suit Rangers more than their hotly-tipped English opponents.
In other Rangers news, Scott Allan critiques James Tavernier’s defensive nous.
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