How Glasgow MP helped solve Derek McInnes headache for Jagiellonia vs Rangers
Derek McInnes looks set to avoid a defensive nightmare for Rangers' clash with Jagiellonia Bialystok.
The Gers travel to Poland to face the Ekstraklasa side in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier on Thursday.
Ben Godfrey has been ruled out for up to four weeks with the injury that he suffered in the 1-1 draw with Dundee United.
John Souttar is out of favour and widely expected to leave Ibrox this summer, so the manager would not have wanted to start him.
New signing Olwethu Makhanya also looked likely to miss out, due to an issue with his visa.
The Gers boss has a Glasgow MP to thank as he prepares for the clash at the Chorten Arena, as the Bears will not be as depleted as first thought.
What did Glasgow MP do to help Rangers ahead of Jagiellonia clash?
McInnes owes Glasgow South West MP Dr. Zubir Ahmed after what the politician has done to help his side.
The 45-year-old took to his Facebook page on Monday evening to confirm that he has helped solve Makhanya's visa problem.
He said: "(90'+4) Great to be able to help new Rangers FC signing Olwethu Makhanya get his last minute Polish visa for Thursday's Europa League game in Bialystok.
"Whether you're big or small, if you're part of the Glasgow South West crew, I will always try to help!"
That means that McInnes has avoided a headache, as Emmanuel Fernandez would have been the only senior centre-back available otherwise.
Why Rangers fans should be excited about Makhanya's debut
Makhanya is now free to make his debut for the Light Blues in the contest.
Light Blues supporters will be keeping a keen eye on how he performs, and there is reason to be excited.
He averaged 8.62 defensive contributions per game, with 2.31 tackles, 6.54 recoveries and 4.62 clearances, according to Fotmob data.
In terms of duels, he won 56.6 per cent on the ground and 66.7 per cent in the air.
If he can produce those kinds of numbers against the Polish side, then it would be a dream start to his career with the Govan side.
It would also surely help his side put a foot into the next qualifying round, where they would face Northern Irish side Larne or the Georgian outfit Iberia 1999.
They can't look past Jagiellonia first, though, and need the South African and his teammates to step up and ensure a positive result ahead of the return leg at home.