Barry Ferguson has told the Daily Record that Rangers should start Ryan Jack and Steven Davis in the Scottish Cup semi-final to thwart Celtic stars Callum McGregor and Tom Rogic.
The Gers hero firmly believes Sunday’s clash will either be won or lost in the engine room. He feels both sides are blessed with a myriad of quality in that area that whoever can lay claim to controlling the central third will then win the Old Firm derby at Hampden Park.
- Everton’s last XI before Moshiri takeover, only one survivor
- England at the World Cup: Three Lions’ group stage record ahead of Qatar
Celtic have won the last two meetings between the Glasgow sides, including a 2-1 win at Rangers this month that Jack started. Giovanni van Bronckhorst afforded the 30-year-old just his fourth start in the Premiership so far this season during a 66-minute appearance.
Van Bronckhorst also left Jack out of his squad to face St Mirren last week. But his absence was a tactical decision to ensure he could start in the Europa League at home to Braga on Thursday. He played 80 minutes before the quarter-final second-leg went into extra-time.
Davis did not feature at all against either Braga or Celtic, despite sitting on Rangers’ bench. But he did enjoy 64 minutes against St Mirren for the 37-year-old’s ninth Premiership start this season over 13 games. He has also featured on 12 occasions during their cup fixtures.
But only against fourth-tier Annan Athletic has Davis featured in the Scottish Cup ahead of Rangers facing Celtic on Sunday. The Galabank Stadium affair on February 12 was also the Northern Irishman’s last appearance before facing St Mirren after another injury problem.
Ferguson tells Rangers start Davis, Jack to thwart Celtic stars McGregor, Rogic
Yet despite Davis rarely playing and Jack featuring in Celtic’s win over Rangers earlier this month, Ferguson wants Van Bronckhorst to start the duo as they can thwart the Bhoys in the engine room by limiting what Rogic and Hoops captain McGregor will look to establish.
“There’s so much quality in that area,” he said. “But for me, McGregor and Rogic are the guys who can control it for Celtic. But I’d like to see them up against Jack and Davis. Those guys know how to dictate a game of football when the heat is really on.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
