Barry Ferguson makes huge changes – Rangers predicted XI v Athletic Bilbao
Barry Ferguson has his full focus on the Europa League second-leg tie away at Athletic Bilbao.
The Gers travel to Spain on Thursday with the aggregate at 0-0, with Robin Propper sent off in the opening 15 minutes of the first leg at Ibrox.
Liam Kelly was called up to start in place of Jack Butland, saving a penalty.
The boss made several changes to his side for the 2-2 draw against Aberdeen, with several senior players rested for the showdown.
John Souttar returns for Rangers
Kelly is expected to stay between the sticks, having solidified the number one spot in recent weeks.
James Tavernier was forced to come on for the injured Rafael Fernandes at Pittodrie on Sunday, but he is expected to be in from the start against Athletic.
John Souttar missed out in the first leg due to suspension but he is expected to re-enter the fold, joining Leon Balogun too in the backline.
Propper misses out through suspension, and Clinton Nsiala will also drop out of the back line.
Ross McCausland received a red card against Aberdeen at the weekend after committing a silly foul when already booked, although he was never going to start in Spain.
He will drop to the bench alongside Nedim Bajrami, Connor Barron and Findlay Curtis, while Ridvan Yilmaz, Nico Raskin, Ianis Hagi, Mohamed Diomande and Jefte come in.
Cyriel Dessers is preferred in Europe
Diomande was also forced to miss the first leg through suspension, and will be eager to get stuck in.
Hagi was the hero on Sunday, scoring a 96th-minute equaliser for the Light Blues which stopped Celtic from getting their hands on the Scottish Premiership trophy, and will be rewarded with a start.
There is speculation surrounding the winger’s future at Ibrox, but with another solid performance, he could well make his claim for a stay in Glasgow.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Scottish Premiership | 23 | 4 | 5 |
| Europa League | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Danilo is not registered for European games, so will drop out alongside Oscar Cortes and Hamza Igamane, while Vaclav Cerny and Cyriel Dessers are likely to come into the side.
Dessers impressed against Fenerbahce in the last round of the Europa League, and there is no reason why he can’t do the same again, especially having only come on in the 75th minute against Aberdeen.