Andreas Skov Olsen has been omitted from the Denmark squad for the upcoming World Cup playoffs, but this setback can be the best thing to happen for Rangers.
On Tuesday, Denmark boss Brian Riemer named his squad for the crucial game against North Macedonia on 26 March, with the winner to face the Republic of Ireland or the Czech Republic for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
There is no place in the panel for Skov Olsen and that won’t come as a surprise to many, given his underwhelming return so far, in Rangers colours.
However, now the 26-year-old has something else to prove, to redeem himself and restore his place in the Denmark squad with a potential World Cup on the horizon.
That works in Rangers favour.
Skov Olsen has the quality
Andreas Skov Olsen has the quality to make an impact at Rangers, and have an influence on the SPFL Premiership title race.
The reality is that he is yet to demonstrate it.
His moments of quality and impact have been too few and far between, particularly in the recent double header against Celtic.
Yes, it was the Dane’s cross that led to Youssef Chermiti’s spectacular overhead kick, but he didn’t quite grasp the opportunity in either game.
Last Sunday, Skov Olsen was left out of the starting line-up at St. Mirren and replaced by Djeidi Gassama, but the Frenchman is also struggling for form.
Rangers right-wing problem is exacerbated by the progress of Findlay Curtis, on loan at Kilmarnock, who has been recognised with his first senior international call-up.
The current situation means questions are being asked if Rangers should take the gamble on Skov Olsen, but he still has time to turn it around.
Read Rangers analysis
There are eight games between now and the end of the SPFL Premiership season, and three before the split.
Rangers play Aberdeen and Dundee United at Ibrox in two of the confirmed upcomng games, in which Andreas Skov Olsen must deliver.
Since moving to Ibrox, he has featured in seven league games, with a return of one goal and two assists.
Beyond the numbers, the eye test is the main factor.
We are yet to see the typical inside movement and shot with any real frequency from Skov Olsen and so far, there has been a reluctance to take on his opponent.
Urgency, conviction and quality have been largely absent, with his overall output not living up to justified expectations from a player of his calibre.
Skov Olsen must use the hurt from his Denmark disappointment as a catalyst to truly mark his arrival as a Rangers player.
That would be a major mutual benefit for player and club.
