Badredine Bouanani has been tipped to perform a specialist role when Rangers resume Scottish Premiership business against Kilmarnock on Saturday.
The Ibrox clash represents a great chance for the Gers to go top of the table, at least temporarily, as Celtic do not play until Sunday.
Three points is the objective, but it will be a different challenge and type of game compared to what we witnessed against Celtic in the double header last month.
Neil McCann’s Kilmarnock will likely take a more cautious, risk-averse approach, seeking to restrict as much space in behind as possible.
Rangers will need to find a different way, and that could open the door for the Algerian.
His skill set lends itself to quality deliveries and beating his marker, but the international break could also work in his favour.
Bouanani was not called up by Algeria, and has been available to prepare at Auchenhowie, but the likes of Minsu Kim begins a long journey from South Korea back to the UK tomorrow.
The on-loan Stuttgart player is fresh and should be raring to go.
He has been backed to make an impact, in a discussion on the Rangers Review morning briefing on Tuesday.
Joshua Barrie made the argument for the winger to be introduced, revealing: “I’ve been told that he’s basically been signed for these games,” while emphaising Bouanani’s set piece and cross ball prowess.
However, both Barrie and Chris Jack both outlined that McInnes may prefer familiarity
“It’s worked so well in the last fortnight, I’d be surprised if Derek looks to go and change it now,” said Jack.
It won’t be change for the sake of it, but much will come down to the assessment of the squad when they finally all return on Friday.
Going into Tuesday’s games, Ryan Naderi will face England at Wembley, while Findlay Curtis is in the Scotland squad to face Slovenia at Hampden.
Minsu Kim and Kevin Kelsy face long journeys from Asia, after their respective games.
Fitness and conditioning will play a role in Rangers starting lineup against Kilmarnock on Saturday.
