Mark Warburton handed the experienced defender his Glasgow Rangers debut, but it was a decision the boss may have been regretting.
Rangers’ Philippe Senderos
Former Rangers man Bob Malcolm has explained to the Evening Times that supporters should try to avoid getting on Philippe Senderos’ case despite his poor performance during the Old Firm game.
The centre-back was handed his competitive debut for the Gers at Parkhead after recently completing his free transfer to Ibrox.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
But it certainly proved to be a debut to forget for the former Premier League defender as Celtic found themselves 3-1 up before Senderos got himself sent-off for a ludicrous handball. And the Hoops continued their onslaught after the dismissal, ultimately claiming a 5-1 victory.
Malcolm has leapt to Senderos’ defence however, suggesting that it was the wrong decision to include him in the starting line-up in the first place, and backing the Swiss to bounce back if the fans give him a chance.
“It is a difficult one for the manager. His centre backs haven’t been doing so well. Philippe has got experience. He has played in big games before. I can understand why he took a chance. But it didn’t work out for him,” he told the Evening Times.
“But you can’t write him off after one game. He has all the experience in the world. He has played for Arsenal, AC Milan and Sevilla as well as for Switzerland.
Senderos, during his time with Aston Villa
“He’s definitely a player who can do well at Rangers. He just needs time to bed in. I just hope the fans don’t get on his case right away.”
With Gers lacking depth in the centre of defence, it is likely that the 31-year-old will be given more than enough opportunities to make up for his debut.
Rob Kiernan also endured a difficult afternoon against the league leaders, while question marks remain over both Danny Wilson and Clint Hill, so Mark Warburton will be hoping that as he begins to settle in, Senderos shows the form that saw him spend over a decade in the English top flight.
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