Davie Provan names three Rangers players who should start semi-final

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Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers take on Celtic in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.

Rangers’ Clint Hill celebrates scoring

Davie Provan has told The Scottish Sun that Pedro Caixinha would be wise to start Clint Hill ahead of David Bates in the Rangers side for the Scottish Cup semi-final, while both Barrie McKay and Jon Toral should also start the Hampden Park showdown.

The Gers take on Celtic hoping to end the Hoops’ treble hopes by booking their place alongside Aberdeen in the final. But they will be in no doubt how difficult a game it will be, having failed to win any of the previous Old Firm meetings this term.

It was on this stage last year where the Light Blues registered their last Old Firm win, beating Celtic on penalties despite being a Championship side at the time.

And Provan has suggested three of the players who should feature if Caixinha’s men hope to repeat the trick this season.

“If Clint Hill is anywhere near fit I expect him to play instead of young David Bates. The kid has done well but Caixinha will want Hill’s experience in the team,” he told The Scottish Sun.

Celtic’s Tomas Rogic shoots at goal under pressure from Rangers’ Clint Hill

“Elsewhere, his biggest call is on Barrie McKay.

“Hooked at half-time last weekend, the winger’s recent form has been poor, but McKay has lit up this fixture in the past and can be a game changer if given the chance.

“Jon Toral is another who has the talent to influence the game.”

Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action with Rangers’ Barrie McKay

It was arguably his performance in last season’s semi-final that was one of the best of McKay’s Ibrox career, while Hill was extremely influential in the draw at Parkhead in their most recent meeting, of course, scoring the late equaliser for the Gers and generally coping well with the Hoops’ attacking threat.

Meanwhile, Toral has probably taken a little bit longer than many would have expected to get going since arriving on loan, but if he plays at his best, he could make the kind of impact in the game that ensures hero status.