Greg Stewart has told the Record’s Rangers podcast that he does not believe Aaron Ramsey will start for Rangers on Thursday night – when they take on Red Star Belgrade. Ramsey started in the Cup against Dundee last time out.
Ramsey, 31, has only managed five appearances for the Gers since joining on loan from Juventus on deadline day. A signing that promised much, has so far failed to deliver as he continues to work hard on returning to fitness.
After a couple of set-backs, Ramsey won his second start for the Gers in a 3-0 win over Dundee on Sunday in the Scottish Cup. He played as a winger, lasting 80 minutes before being substituted – a huge positive for Rangers.
He is expected to be in the squad that travels to Serbia ahead of Thursday’s second leg against Red Star Belgrade – the Gers boasting a 3-0 lead from the first leg. Stewart responded when asked if he thinks Ramsey will start.
“I think it is too soon for him [Ramsey] to start against Red Star. I would love for him to start because he is a quality player, but I think it is too soon,” Stewart told the Record’s Rangers podcast earlier this week.
Stewart on Ramsey: Rangers star to start against Red Star Belgrade?
If Ramsey was even at 80% fitness, you would like to think that van Bronckhorst throws him in the side. Thursday night will be about holding on to their lead, rather than trying to extend it, in a hostile stadium.
Experience is key, especially European experience and Ramsey has plenty of that. But his fitness is nowhere near where Rangers would like it and Stewart is right, it is likely he will start on the bench. He could come on.
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