Rangers news round-up: John Souttar injury concern, Steven Gerrard return
Rangers have had a busy twenty-four hours after Barry Ferguson took charge of his first as interim manager against Kilmarnock.
The Light Blues beat Derek McInnes' team 4-2 at Rugby Park on Wednesday (27 February) as they managed to bounce back in the Scottish Premiership.
John Souttar was missing against the Saints as he has been on the sidelines for some time now.
Ferguson has replaced Philippe Clement temporarily after an underwhelming season, leaving the door open for a new manager to come in next summer.
Souttar may require surgery if there's a recurrent injury issue, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert is concerned about the 28-year-old centre-back picking up consistent fitness issues this season.
Speaking to Ibrox News, Dr Brar said: “Certainly a cause for concern when a player picks up multiple injuries during a season.
“However, isn’t all that unexpected because it can create a vicious injury cycle where the player loses fitness, confidence and rhythm which then leads to increased injury risk.
“Difficult to say whether Souttar might need an operation because we don’t have many details on the injuries.
“If it’s a recurrent issue, then potentially in the summer.“
The 49ers Enterprises could potentially appoint a high-profile name in the Gers dugout, according to Fabrizio Romano.
With the 49ers in talks to take control at Ibrox, the Italian journalist believes the possible new "ambitious" owners could hire a renowned manager if available.
Speaking to GiveMeSport (26 February), Romano said: “This [decision] is an open possibility. It also depends on managers available, not only [on the] 49ers if they can get [their] takeover done. For sure they’re ambitious, but it’s not something guaranteed at this stage.”
| Scottish Premiership (2024/25) | Matches played | Points |
| 1. Celtic | 28 | 72 |
| 2. Rangers | 28 | 59 |
| 3. Aberdeen | 28 | 41 |
| 4. Hibernian | 28 | 40 |
Dermot Gallagher believes the referee made the right call to award the Light Blues a corner before they scored their second goal against Kilmarnock.
McInnes' team had taken a two-goal lead before Vaclav Cerny scored in the first half, with Dessers equalising soon after the break.
Before the Nigerian striker found the back of the net, Ianish Hagi claimed his effort on goal had taken a nick off a Kilmarnock player, and while the referee initially gave a goal-kick, he changed the decision and awarded a corner.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (27 February), Gallagher said: “This is one of two in Scotland last night that it becomes consequence rather than decision made.
“I do think this is a corner. It does strike the defender. The referee gives a goal kick, but he’s probably had some input, and he gives a corner. It becomes a talking point because they scored from it.”
Derek Ferguson would welcome Steven Gerrard's appointment at Ibrox in the coming months.
The ex-Gers midfielder believes the fans would love to see the former Al-Ettifaq manager return to the Glaswegian outfit.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News prior to his brother Barry landing the job on an interim basis, Derek said: “It’s a surprise Steven left his position in Saudi. It’s one Rangers fans would probably welcome.
“He got the club to 55 titles, although people would argue it took him three years to get there. Ultimately, he did get there and he’s held in high esteem – most fans adore him.
“If that appointment was to be made, I’ll be honest with you, I’d welcome it. If Steven Gerrard was to come in, I wouldn’t be against it.”