Rangers earned plaudits for their fighting display to earn a Europa League point at Olympiacos.
And now the challenge that has to be passed is producing that sort of performance domestically. Results and displays this season in the league have been far from consistent or good enough for the Ibrox faithful or boss Philippe Clement but after booking a Premier Sports Cup final showdown with Celtic after a comeback win over Motherwell followed up with a big draw in Greece, things could be on the turn for the under-fire Belgian – who will know more than most his side MUST produce at Ibrox against Hearts.
Factoring in the travel, the effort that went into the 90 minutes at the Greek giants and the quick turnaround, you could expect to see a few changes this weekend – while others grabbed their opportunities and will seek to further boost hopes of an extended run in the team. The first big call is likely to come over skipper James Tavernier. Dujon Sterling impressed from the off and when he came off it was Neraysho Kasanwirjo who was called upon, not the captain who got the final five minutes further up the park.
It could be a similar situation this weekend at Ibrox with an eye to the future on Celtic and the task of Daizen Maeda. Tavernier has struggled with the Hoops attacker in their one on one duel and Sterling would offer that pace and power that could try combat that threat. But he will need to be fit and firing at 100 per cent and a run of games and big international break could aid that. He’s one that has sparked plenty debate why he hasn’t played more but this could be his big shot to properly arrive this season.
Kasanwirjo is another who has impressed when taking to the field and has shown versatility in playing a number of roles including left-back. And that could be role once again this weekend after showing he can play in that position – despite being more comfortable on the right or at centre-back – in the defeat to Aberdeen. Robin Propper arrived with a big reputation as the man to replace Connor Goldson with FC Twente sad to see him go. It’s not quite happened for him yet but a solid display in Greece could do his confidence the world of good and this could be the start of his arrival in Glasgow as Clement seeks a permanent John Souttar partner.
Further up the pitch Cyriel Dessers grabbed a brilliant goal midweek, but at the same time also failed to convert two big chances prior to his excellent finish. He splits opinions at times but with Danilo back, it could be the boost Clement needs. He came off the bench at Hampden last weekend and impressed and contributed to the winner. With minutes in the legs, and another hard week of training under his belt since he is not part of the Europa League squad he could provide freshness and a different dimension up top.
How Rangers could line-up against Hearts at Ibrox
