Barjonas deserves shot at Rangers first team with duo sidelined

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Ibrox ace Jamie Barjonas could be handed rare first-team chance for Rangers on Saturday.

Rangers interim manager Graeme Murty has been handed a selection headache ahead of Saturday’s clash against Ross County at Ibrox, if he remains in charge.

Multiple reports suggest that Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is set to take permanent control of the Ibrox club sooner rather than later, and that could see Murty revert to his position as Under-20’s manager at Auchenhowie.

However, with no announcement as of yet, Murty is likely to take to the dugout for the seventh time in his second spell as caretaker manager at Ibrox with Ross County standing in his way of a third successive three points.

The Scottish Football Association revealed on their official website that Rangers 25-year-old Ryan Jack’s appeal against his red card on Sunday had been dismissed, meaning he will be banned for Saturday’s game and against Hibernian and St. Johnstone.

That has compounded the Gers midfield woes, with Graham Dorrans yet to recover from an ankle injury that he suffered during the Light Blues’ 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock towards the end of October.

With Murty’s diamond formation working so well, he should stick to his guns and continue to combine the likes of Ross McCrorie, Jason Holt and Carlos Pena – but he must make a decision on who to bring in to replace Jack.

Murty’s preference in youth that has seen teenager McCrorie shine should see the caretaker boss hand a rare starting spot to Jamie Barjonas.

The Gers academy product has been afforded just 182 minutes of first-team football this season, making six appearances in the Scottish Premiership but the 18-year-old’s willingness to get forward would suit the role to a tee.

Niko Kranjcar has lost his pace and stamina following a long spell on the sidelines through injury, while Barjonas’ hunger and determination to prove his worth would see him cover every blade of grass should he start.

Starting the Scotland Under-19 international alongside Holt in the midfield engine room with give the Gers an added attacking threat from deep as well as a tenacious unpredictability that will worry Ross County’s midfielders.