Russell Martin hands Rangers star final chance to impress vs Sturm Graz after new reveal
Rangers take on Sturm Graz in the Europa League with Russell Martin under pressure on Thursday.
Martin heads into the game on the back of his first Scottish Premiership victory, but with fan anger growing, he needs a positive result in Austria for the Europa League.
Rangers are without the suspended Mohamed Diomande after his red card against Genk, but Martin was able to pick a fairly predictable starting lineup on 2 October.
Connor Barron comes in for Diomande while Derek Cornelius and Jayden Meghoma fought off injury scares to start in Austria, and one of their Rangers teammates now has one last chance to impress.
Thelo Aasgaard starts for Rangers against Sturm Graz
Thelo Aasgaard is one of several summer signings that has failed to hit the ground running under Martin, but he kept his place in midfield against Sturm Graz.
The midfielder joined from Luton Town earlier in the summer, and Aasgaard remarkably scored four goals in one game for Norway.
- Aasgaard is yet to score or assist for Rangers as an attacking midfielder.
- The 23-year-old has been criticised for his lack of intensity.
While many attribute the midfield problems to Martin’s tactics, Aasgaard has struggled to make the impact he would have wanted at Ibrox.
If he fails to impress against Sturm Graz, then there may be a tough decision waiting for him, and he simply must deliver.
Lyall Cameron could replace Aasgaard
Lyall Cameron has now returned to training after over a month out injured, but was left out of the matchday squad to face Sturm Graz, despite his return being revealed at Auchenhowie.
The pitch at the Merker-Arena appears in poor condition, and this may have been in the thinking of Martin amid concerns over another injury.
However, if Aasgaard fails to impress in Austria, then he could find himself on the bench when Cameron is fully fit.
The former Dundee star is a proven midfield goalscorer in Scotland, and he could provide the spark that Aasgaard has failed to in front of goal.
Aasgaard looks short of confidence despite his Norway exploits, and if Cameron also struggles in his position, then the finger will be firmly pointed at Martin.
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