---
title: "Is Derek McInnes planning a late surprise at centre-back?"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/08/20/derek-mcinnes-late-surprise-at-centre-back/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Articles and Opinions"
published: "2026-08-20T16:07:55Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T16:21:52Z"
---

# Is Derek McInnes planning a late surprise at centre-back?

**Derek McInnes recently spoke about Rangers “playing with fire” in relation to limited defensive options, but is the manager planning a late surprise?**

The lack of options was exposed by a limited Jagiellonia Bialystok side, who knocked Rangers out of the Europa League.

In both games against the Poles, Rangers were lacking in building attacks.

Ross McCrorie couldn’t impact the first leg at right-back late in the game, when space emerged, then the dreadful return leg at Ibrox saw Vanja Dragojevic and Findlay Curtis operating in that berth.

Rangers have now strengthened with the arrivals of James Penrice and Kosta Nedeljkovic, but what about the centre-backs?

Ben Godfrey is on his way back from injury, meaning Manny Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya are the only current options in the heart of defence.

Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie could be classed as cover, then John Souttar appears to be inching toward the exit door.

There’s still no left-sided central defender, but Derek McInnes has suggested there are no immediate plans for more defenders, with the focus on securing quality at the top end of the pitch.

[Press Conference | Derek McInnes | 19 Aug 2026 (embedded)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRwDiqlHCdY?feature=oembed)

## Never say never – McInnes

At Wednesday’s press conference, Derek McInnes stated:

“Never say never, but the priorities are at the top end of the pitch.

“We need to bring players in there. That is not to say we would not look elsewhere, but where we are at the minute, I hope the next signing is someone in the forward areas. That would be the priority.”

From playing with fire to playing for time, let’s hope we’re covered but a late surprise could well be required.