Rangers boss Derek McInnes faces two key decisions ahead of tonight’s clash against St. Mirren at Ibrox.
The response to the Jablonec debacle has been a positive one, with Rangers recording three consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Tonight is the sixth game of the Scottish Premiership campaign and only a victory will do.
With the Gers benefiting from consistency in the team, realistically there are only two decisions for McInnes to make, unless any unforeseen issues are impacting team selection.
Questions over Kelsy and Bouanani
With Lawrence Shankland ruled out for around three months, will he be replaced by Ryan Naderi or Kevin Kelsy?
On the right wing, Badredine Bouanani should come into consideration given the need for minutes ahead of the Celtic double-header.
The Algerian wasn’t involved at the weekend against Motherwell, but he has trained and should be ready.
Findlay Curtis has been fine and will continue when called upon, but tonight feels right for Bouanani to get his bow, especially with Daisuke Yokota nursing an injury complaint.
McInnes commented on the Japanese player at Tuesday’s press conference:
“Yokota is struggling with a groin injury. He’s getting scanned this morning and we expect him to miss tomorrow night.
“Depending on the outcome of that scan we’ll see whether he misses the weekend as well.”
Derek McInnes has decisions to make for St. Mirren clash
Derek McInnes will be content that the rest of the team picks itself at present.
The central defensive partnership of Manny Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya is growing game by game.
The duo strolled through the second half on Saturday.
Either side of them, Dujon Sterling and James Penrice will keep their spots.
Dan Neil and Nico Raskin provided encouragement in the 1-0 win, while Djeidi Gassama is a man on form on the left wing.
There’s reasons for (relative) optimism but the manager knows more is required.
“What we’ve had in recent weeks are small steps, encouragement and improved confidence levels.
“We look far more difficult to play through, far more creative in what we’re trying to do and, with the transfer window now closed, hopefully we can continue that progress.”
Comments.
Loading comments…