Former Liverpool youngster Jrodan Rossiter made his first appearance in eleven months in the doomed Europa League qualifier.
Rangers have been knocked out of the Europa League before the vast majority of teams on British soil have even kicked a ball in pre-season. A 2-0 defeat at Progres Niederkorn, who finished fourth in the Luxembourg top flight last season, is one of the most embarrassing results in the club’s history.
At times like these, the club needs leadership and someone to take responsibility. And the fact that 20-year-old midfielder Jordan Rossiter was willing to front up the media and apologise on behalf of his team, all the while making no excuses for a dismal display, says a lot about the former Liverpool youngster.
Rossiter is yet to get into his stride after signing from Liverpool
In fact, Rossiter was one of the few players to come out of that disastrous defeat, one that has even raised questions about the future of manager Pedro Caixinha, with any credit.
At least he tried. That was the assessment of many Rangers supporters after a night in which the occasion seemed to pass by the majority of their players.
Injuries restricted Rossiter to just four appearances in a forgettable debut campaign at Ibrox, the most recent coming in August, but his belated comeback at least provides some brief reason for optimism.
A sturdy and energetic presence, Rossiter was calm, composed and frequently picked the right pass at the right time. If he can stave off the injuries, the Scouser could develop into a crucial first-team player at Rangers.
He’s proven himself off the field, a leader in front of the cameras. Now, however, he must build on this and show that he can be more than the club’s forgotten man. Rangers’ regular first-teamers could be under pressure if they don’t buck their ideas up.
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