Rangers defender Fabio Cardoso has endured a difficult spell at Ibrox.
There may be light at the end of the tunnel for Rangers defender Fabio Cardoso as incoming manager Steven Gerrard prepares to take in his first day of work at Ibrox on Friday.
Gerrard’s contract officially begins on June 1, though he has already given director of football Mark Allen his blessing to complete the Gers three summer signings in Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor and Jamie Murphy.
With Gerrard now officially starting his four-year contract at Ibrox, he will begin to tackle the issues that sit in front of him ahead of Rangers’ first competitive fixture on July 12 – a Europa League qualifier.
One of his top priorities will be to bring a central defender to the club, and it seems as though the former Liverpool and England legend has already drawn up a shortlist with Martin Skrtel, Connor Goldson and Kyle Bartley all linked.
He must act quickly with the problem worsening as times goes on. Russell Martin has returned to Norwich City after a disappointing loan north of the border, leaving the Gers with just Bruno Alves, Ross McCrorie and Cardoso.
Now, veteran defender Alves is being linked with a return to Portugal, with Liga NOS side Vitoria said to be keen on landing the 95-time Portugal international. If Alves leaves, and with McCrorie preferred in midfield, it leaves just Cardoso.
Summer signing Cardoso, 24, managed just two league appearances in 2018 but now with a new manager and a lack of options at centre-back, there could be light at the end of the tunnel for the former Estoril defender.
He should, at least, be given a chance under Gerrard who at the moment has little other choice but to use the defender with only six weeks before the Gers begin their 2018-19 campaign.
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