Malik Tillman has told Rangers TV that Connor Goldson is one of the Ibrox club’s most-important players both on and off the pitch after his first goal of the season on Wednesday night – claiming he is “loudest” behind the scenes.
Goldson, 29, has returned from injury after missing Michael Beale’s first game in charge. The ex-Brighton defender has started the last three games – helping Rangers secure four wins in Beale’s four games in charge of the Gers.
The defender has been pivotal in helping Rangers gain momentum. Admitting he was “absolutely knackered” after the 3-2 win over Aberdeen, he has recovered to help Rangers secure two clean sheets in their last two games.
Then, on Wednesday night, he opened his account for the season. Scoring his side’s second of the match in a 3-0 win over Motherwell – the second of Borna Barisic’s two assists. Tillman was asked about the Rangers centre-back.
“Obviously he’s one of the most-experienced guys in our team. Also, one of the loudest. But he helps us on and off the pitch. I think he does a great job at the back and helps us, he helped us a lot today and in other matches.”
Tillman: Goldson one of Rangers most-important players, and loudest
He has to be. This Rangers side are a largely young team, combined with the odd experienced head in Allan McGregor, James Tavernier, Barisic and John Lundstram. They need leaders and Goldson is a man mountain.
If Rangers are to peel back any of Celtic’s nine-point lead at the top of the Premiership, then Goldson needs to be fit between now and the end of the season. He needs to be at his best to help stop Celtic come Monday night at Ibrox.
A game that Rangers simply have to win – and at best, avoid defeat – to stand any chance of winning this season’s Premiership title. The odds are certainly against the Gers, though. Celtic have won the last seven games in a row.
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