Rangers need to make Tom Lawrence announcement quickly as uncertainty looms

Rangers are preparing for the contest at Ibrox on Thursday on which their entire season hinges, before plenty of work to be done in the summer.

Barry Ferguson and Jose Mourinho do battle once more, this time in Govan (13 March), when Rangers meet Fenerbahce with a 3-1 aggregate lead obtained on a memorable Istanbul night last week.

To see out the job would put Gers through to the last eight in yet another European escapade, but domestically the campaign has been a disaster and serious work needs to be done in the off-season.

Rangers have to sort Tom Lawrence situation out

Rangers got underway with a huge overhaul of the squad last summer, with many experienced heads leaving Ibrox for pastures new.

However, if anything, the Light Blues have gone backwards this season - certainly in league and cup - and must reassess next year, with one key decision being to make a managerial decision quickly once Ferguson's short-term deal is up.

Another is the similar contractual situations of senior players including Ianis Hagi, Leon Balogun and Welsh international winger Tom Lawrence.

A magical player on his day, the obvious reservation over 31-year-old Lawrence is his ability to stay fit for a sustained period. The forward has made just eight league starts this season, notching five goal contributions.

As harsh as it seems, Rangers cannot afford to keep any lame ducks on high wages and must be astute with their funds to compete with Celtic, something the anticipated US-based takeover masterminded by 49ers Enterprises can help along.

Ibrox in the dark over how Gers squad will look

Lawrence, who has played varying amounts of game time as a substitute in each of Ferguson's opening three games in charge, has just been called up to the Wales squad.

His international commitments are a double-edged sword for Rangers, who will want him to gather match sharpness but also be fearful of another injury issue.

One thing is for sure, the Ibrox hierarchy need to take action soon one way or the other on Lawrence's future to avoid any uncertainty towards either party.

As well as the players on expiring permanent contracts - as well as the ex-captain now in the dugout as manager - the Gers fans do not yet know what will be happening with Vaclav Cerny, who has been superb while on loan from Wolfsburg.

Oscar Cortes has been injured for months and will see his loan expire at the end of the season, but there is a buy option for the Light Blues; the same applies to Neraysho Kasanwirjo.

Rafael Fernandes has not featured in his last four games, as the other loanee in the Rangers first-team squad after arriving from Lille in a sole incoming from the January transfer window.