Ferguson dealt crushing blow, Rangers star ‘huge doubt’ for second leg v Athletic
Rangers will take the hardest-earned goalless draw to Athletic Club next week as they look for an improbable Europa League semi-final.
Gers left everything on the Ibrox pitch as a 10-man side fought out the stalemate and defended for their lives at times.
Liam Kelly’s penalty save from Alex Berenguer – moments after the Athletic man believed he had scored but for an offside call – proved to be the defining event of the game after Robin Propper’s early red card had Barry Ferguson’s men on the ropes.
Ferguson suffers another blow ahead of Bilbao
Rangers put in an admirable shift and must now turn their attention to another Scottish Premiership visit to Aberdeen, a place where they came unstuck back in October when the Dons were in their best run of form.
However, it bears very little significance at this stage compared to what is at stake in the Basque Country next Thursday (17 April) – and Ferguson is likely to rotate his side on Sunday in the league.
Propper will feature at Pittodrie as he is suspended for Bilbao four days later; Dujon Sterling is however now majorly doubtful following news from Liam McLeod.
The BBC Radio Scotland journalist (10 April, 22:01) revealed Sterling – who was punished perhaps harshly for a handball in the lengthy VAR build-up to the late penalty – was taken off on a stretcher at the end which forced Gers down to nine with all substitutions having been utilised.
“Dujon Sterling incidentally was put on a stretcher,” McLeod said. “So, he’s now clearly going to be a huge doubt for next week.”
Ferguson needs all hands on deck in what will need to be a tremendous effort in Spain, though he is boosted by the imminent returns of Mohamed Diomande and John Souttar, who missed the first leg through suspension.
Sterling at centre of Rangers controversy
Sterling was a key part of the starting XI for Rangers at Ibrox on Thursday night, given the reshuffle which had to take place with Souttar absent.
He performed resolutely in a back three, especially after Propper had been dismissed, with Leon Balogun appearing to defy his age back in there as well.
The seemingly outstretched arm from the incoming pass for which he was penalised appeared harsh. Contact with the arm was made, but James Tavernier claimed the officials believed it was a deliberate ploy from Sterling to handle the ball.
| Rangers – in next seven days | Date |
| Aberdeen (A) – Scottish Premiership | Sun 13 Apr |
| Athletic Club (A) – Europa League QF 2L | Thu 17 Apr |
It was a shame for Sterling’s determined performance to end the way it did; we also await definitive news on Bailey Rice after his facial injury in the second half.
Sunday does come as something of an inconvenience, but has to be used as momentum for Rangers ahead of the midweek trip to the continent.