Rangers face Hamilton away from Ibrox at New Douglas Park this weekend.
Rangers manager Graeme Murty has confirmed that veteran defender Bruno Alves has returned to full training after a long injury lay-off with a calf injury, but will he automatically return to the starting line-up?
The 36-year-old has failed to feature for the Gers since the 0-0 draw against Old Firm rivals Celtic, which saw him replaced in the 18th minute on Parkhead after picking up the muscle injury.
He has since been recovering in Portugal and returned to light training last week, but is now back in action with the first team at Auchenhowie and could be available to face Hamilton on the weekend.
The Gers travel to New Douglas Park to face Martin Canning’s side on Sunday afternoon, as they look to keep the pressure on second-placed Aberdeen with the Dons facing Hibernian away from home on Saturday.
David Bates has filled in for Euro 2016 winner Alves at the back alongside January recruit Russell Martin, with Danny Wilson since departing the Gers to join MLS outfit Colorado Rapids last month.
Now, it remains to be seen if Alves will come back into Murty’s starting line-up with Bates impressing alongside Norwich City loanee Martin, as young and old combine to concede just three league goals since the turn of the year.
Martin’s calibre makes him first choice, but is it worth risking another veteran alongside 33-year-old Martin? The fast-paced style of play in the Scottish Premiership could prove too hot to handle for a partnership with a combined age of almost 70 years.
Instead, Murty should look to place his faith in Bates and force Alves to earn his stripes once again, rather than just walking back into the side ahead of Sunday’s clash.
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