As we move into a new week, the attention turns toward the Conference League Playoff decider against Jablonec and how Rangers can benefit from having no game at the weekend.
The team sat out the last few days after the St. Mirren league fixture was postponed, with Rangers joining the other European participants in taking advantage of the SPFL directive to maximise time between Playoff round games.
Given the situation with the squad at Ibrox at present, and the ongoing chase for new arrivals, it feels like taking the break was the right option.
Why Rangers had no game this weekend
Rangers must utilise weekend break for Conference League progression
Last Thursday’s first-leg win over Jablonec wasn’t the best performance and the margin should have been greater.
It wasn’t easy on the eye, with the task made more difficult after Cammy Devlin’s needless red card.
However, a win’s a win, with the Gers heading to Czechia with a one-goal advantage and they need to come flying out of the traps full of energy.
No weekend activity for Rangers means rested players, no further injury niggles and a sole focus to get the job done.
Another win has to be the aim.
McInnes buys time for stacked September schedule
Rangers must utilise the weekend break to full advantage, given what lies ahead.
Starting on Thursday, a run of 6/7 games will follow into next month that will have a significant bearing on the development of Derek McInnes’ first season.
We’re now into the last 10 days of the transfer window, which closes in Scotland on Thursday 3 September.
There will be no excuses for not progressing against Jablonec, especially with a one-goal lead and Rangers having no game at the weekend.
Aberdeen away in the Scottish Premiership follows the Czech challenge, and McInnes’ team will need to raise the bar to meet the demands of the next few weeks, up until the international break at the end of September.
