Danilo ‘to start v Panathinaikos’ after latest Rangers developments
Danilo could be set to lead the line for Rangers against Panathinaikos.
The Gers will face the Greek outfit in the second round of Champions League qualifying, with the first leg at Ibrox next Tuesday (22 July).
They will then make the trip to Athens (30 July), looking to progress to the next round and eventually get into the league phase.
Russell Martin is still learning about his squad in Govan, but the Brazilian has forged a genuine shot at a starting berth next season, after he notched five goals and four assists in 23 matches last time out.
Danilo earns start v Panathinaikos after Rangers exploits
The Gers faced Dunfermline in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Monday (15 July), and Danilo has put himself in the frame with an excellent performance.
The 26-year-old notched one goal and three assists in the contest, which will give Martin serious thought of starting him next week.
His case is helped by the fact that Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers were not part of the squad as they work on individual training programs, surrounding transfer gossip.
Martin can get the best out of Danilo for Rangers
Danilo has endured an underwhelming time at Auchenhowie since his move back in 2023.
He has notched 12 goals and nine assists in 48 matches so far in his career in Scotland, a solid return but nothing special, especially considering the status that the Light Blues enjoy in the domestic game.
Martin may end up having to rely on the Sao Paulo-born ace, with Dessers and Igamane potentially heading for the exit door, and the evidence will encourage him so far, as he is working on himself to star for Rangers.
If that is the case, he would be the only recognised striker on the books in Govan, and while that could be addressed with the likes of Jamie Vardy or Dor Turgeman in the market, it could allow the ex-Feyenoord man to shine.
The 49ers Enterprises group and Andrew Cavenagh, the new majority owners, may not be able to find a solution, and therefore, the former Ajax man could take a key role next season.
If he performs against Panathinaikos, it will give Martin a potential dilemma if Igamane and Dessers both end up staying at the club.
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