Match Preview: Gers visit Inverness on Friday night
Graeme Murty will take charge of Rangers for the third time on Friday night.
Rangers travel to the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Dundee last Sunday.
That result left the Light Blues six points adrift of Aberdeen in second place. Fourth place Hearts are just five points behind.
It has been an inconsistent season for the Ibrox side, who expected to be closer than 30 points behind Celtic at this stage.
The team’s form had began to dip under Mark Warburton before his departure two weeks ago. Since the 1-0 win over Inverness at Ibrox on Christmas Eve, Rangers have picked up just five points from 18.
YouTube: PRESS CONFERENCE | Graeme Murty | 22 Feb 2017
Indeed the last trip to the Highlands in October resulted in a 1-0 win too. Kenny Miller scored his 100th club goal to seal the game.
With Richie Foran’s men bottom of the league Rangers will be expected to lift three points. However, Caley Thistle remain the only side to take points from Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Murty reckons that his side can get the right result if they prepare well.
“It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be high intensity. If we show the commitment and the energy levels we showed in the second half [against Dundee] then we can go and get a positive result.”
Rangers will be without Jordan Rossiter once again. The midfielder has been injured since the 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock in August. Niko Kranjcar is back in training but is not expected to feature again this season. Clint Hill is likely to miss out on Friday due to the injury sustained on Sunday. Josh Windass has also recovered from his latest setback.
Jak Alnwick has yet to make a first team appearance since signing from Port Vale last month. Wes Foderingham is likely to remain in goal, though. Captain Lee Wallace missed the defeat at Dens Park but should take his place in the defence. Senderos, Wilson and Kiernan have featured in recent games alongside Hill but two of those will start together. Joe Garner may keep his place in the side after scoring the consolation last weekend.
The new manager appointment is imminent so Murty will be hoping for a result in what could be his final game in caretaker charge.
Who should be Rangers next manager? Complete the poll below to cast your opinion.
Who's your choice for the next Rangers Manager?
Alex McLeish
Former manager McLeish won the title on the last day of the season twice during his time in charge from 2001-2006.
Alan Pardew
Spells with West Ham, Crystal Palace and Newcastle in recent years, he is an experienced name. Managed Graeme Murty at Southampton.
Billy Davies
Former manager of Motherwell and Nottingham Forest, Davies won promotion to the Premier League with Derby.
Alan Irvine
Linked to the job this week, Irvine has coached at West Brom, Preston and Everton. Currently working beside ex-Hamilton manager Alex Neil at Norwich.
Gary Rowett
Shockingly sacked by Birmingham City earlier this season, Rowett is an interesting option having done a good job in the English Football League with Burton Albion too.
Frank De Boer
Has expressed an interest and a former player of the club under Alex McLeish. Won four titles in a row at Ajax as Head Coach.
Tommy Wright
Currently the manager at St Johnstone, Wright has done a very good job in Perth thus far including lifting the Scottish Cup in 2014.
Graeme Murty
In caretaker charge just now and has said he is unlikely to apply for the position. Could be offered it.
Dougie Freedman
Former Bolton and Nottingham Forest manager has been linked by the bookmakers in recent days. Also took charge at Crystal Palace when his playing days were over.
Barry Ferguson
Spent a short time as player-manager at Blackpool and is currently in charge at Clyde. Former club captain at Ibrox over two spells.