It has been a season of transition for Rangers as they attempt to make the squad younger and slash some of the bumper wage packets within the club.
Philippe Clement has made it clear that he wants to give a pathway to young players to spark the club’s long-awaited player-trading model into delivering profit margins that the Light Blues need to challenge Celtic at the Premiership summit once again. This season has seen the likes of Jefte, Hamza Igamane and Clinton Nsiala make an impact at Ibrox – and there could be even more talent waiting in the wings.
Going into the game, the Belgian boss has warned emerging talent that they have to earn their spot – but has been looking at B team talents Bailey Rice and Zak Lovelace in training in recent weeks. Going into the Scottish Cup clash with Fraserburgh he admitted: “I’m going to look if there are young players pushing for positions and training well in the last few weeks and months, as I have in all clubs in the past.”
So could a host of Colt team players get their chance? Technical director Nils Koppen is set to scrap the B team for next season – so the clash with Highland League opposition could be the perfect chance to double down on the youth focus being implement this term.
Lovelace and Rice are likely to come in – while goalkeeper Mason Munn could also get the nod having acted as Liam Kelly’s understudy between the sticks in the absence of Jack Butland. Winger Findlay Curtis and playmaker Paul Nsio have also impressed for the B team and now could be the time for Clement to give them the nod.
The defensive injury woes haven’t eased for Rangers with Robin Propper the latest to limp off. Leon King could partner Nsiala as he looks to grasp a chance to impress Clement.
There will likely still be plenty of experience on show with James Tavernier getting the nod as he ramps up his game time after a return to fitness. Cyriel Dessers and Connor Barron have settled for spots on the bench in recent weeks but could start against the minnows.
Predicted Rangers XI
