Rangers were already struggling at right-back after James Tavernier was injured in Belgium
Steven Gerrard has allayed concerns about another injury to add to Rangers’ list following their Europa League round of 32 win against Royal Antwerp.
James Tavernier and Kemar Roofe were both injured in the 4-3 first leg win, while Ryan Jack went off with an injury in Sunday’s 4-1 win over Dundee United at Ibrox.
It looked like the club might have another to add to their list when makeshift right-back Leon Balogun failed to appear for the second half of the return leg on Thursday night.
Balogun, who came on for Tavernier in Belgium, was replaced by Nathan Patterson at the break.
The youngster scored just 16 seconds after his introduction, and went on to produce an impressive display down the right.
Speaking to BT Sport after the game, Gerrard assured supporters that the Nigeria international’s problem shouldn’t be too much of a concern.
Asked if Patterson’s introduction was tactical or due to an injury, he replied: “There’s a bit of a niggle in there with Leon’s quad muscle, which we’ll check out.
“We don’t think it’s too bad, but I think we’ve done the safe thing.
“Leon’s playing in a different position. It’s a different type of running, getting up and down, compared to when you’re playing in the middle as a centre-back.
“So, a bit of a precaution, and listening to the player, rather than it going worse and we miss him or weeks and weeks.
“Hopefully it’s just days.”
Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent scored the first and third goals, with late penalties from Borna Barisic and Cedric Itten sealing the victory.
Gerrard’s men have Sunday off due to the Betfred Cup Final taking place, and return to league action on Wednesday when they face Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
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