Rangers star must be first name on team sheet vs Roma after what he did in Old Firm clash
Danny Rohl could not prevent another Old Firm defeat for Rangers on Sunday despite the optimism that he has brought of late.
The Bears were heading into Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final on the back of two consecutive victories in the Premiership, but they ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat to Celtic after extra time.
Johnny Kenny put the Bhoys in front in the 27th minute, before Thelo Aasgaard’s 38th-minute red card made it an uphill task for Rohl’s men.
James Tavernier gave Rangers a lifeline by levelling the game with an 81st-minute penalty, but his side couldn’t keep up with Celtic in the extra period, and goals from Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand ultimately settled the game.
It was far from the result that Rohl would have wanted from his first Old Firm clash, but it did at least provide him with an obvious selection decision for this week’s Europa League tie.
Mikey Moore has to start vs Roma
Mikey Moore has been revitalised at Rangers since Rohl walked through the door, and there were yet more signs that he has turned a corner in Sunday’s defeat.
There were calls for the 18-year-old’s loan spell to be cut short at Ibrox after he made a disappointing start to the season under Russell Martin, but those suggestions are now a distant memory.
The winger was introduced by Rohl in the 71st minute at Hampden Park, and his arrival into the game arguably changed the momentum of the tie in Rangers’ favour.
Moore was energetic and drove his team forward with his direct running, something that has been desperately lacking for the Gers on several occasions this season.
He combined that dribbling ability with a clever use of the ball, as he showcased his tremendous vision on several occasions with some defence-splitting passes.
It was a hugely impressive cameo from the Tottenham starlet, who is now beginning to show himself as the player that Rangers thought they were getting when he came through the door.
After such an impressive performance at the weekend, he must surely be the first name on the team sheet for Rohl in Thursday’s crucial clash with Roma.
Mikey Moore and Djeidi Gassama crucial for Rangers vs Roma
Rangers have had a dismal Europa League campaign so far, as they sit bottom of the table with three defeats to show for their efforts so far.
With that in mind, this week’s meeting with Roma must be pivotal if they are to have any hope of salvaging something from the competition, and it presents a chance for Rohl to test himself against a genuine top-level outfit.
The German must surely look to play the visitors on the break if his team are to have any chance of victory at Ibrox, and with that in mind, Moore and Djeidi Gassama could play crucial roles.
Rangers will need to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye if they are to catch the Italians napping, and the pacy duo are the two best options to help with that.
It is clearly a difficult task facing the Gers in the midweek clash, and it may be a night when they require a moment of individual magic to fall in their favour.
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