Rob Page believes it was a ‘no-brainer’ to bench Aaron Ramsey as Wales faces the Czech Republic to ensure he can feature for Rangers in the Old Firm derby, via the Daily Record.
Ramsey helped the Dragons secure a spot in the World Cup play-off finals against Scotland or Ukraine by beating Austria. Page’s squad edged a 2-1 win at the Cardiff City Stadium last Thursday. But the Wales boss then suggested he picked up a knock during the gruelling tie.
Injuries have plagued the midfielder’s spell at Ibrox since arriving in Glasgow on loan from Juventus in January. He is yet to play a full 90 minutes for Giovanni van Bronckhorst, while the 31-year-old has also only started three of his six appearances for 257 minutes in total.
Benching Rangers star Aaron Ramsey a ‘no-brainer’ for Wales boss Rob Page
Ramsey sitting out Wales’ friendly with the Czech Republic on Tuesday night only served to further fears of an injury. But Page insists he chose against handing the £400k-a-week star, who Rangers are paying £25k-a-week, his 73rd cap so Ramsey can face Celtic this Sunday.
“There was no injury,” Page said. “It was a no-brainer. What we have to do is show respect to the clubs, as well. We’ve got their players, and Aaron is 30-plus years old now.
“I made that decision not to have him in the 23. We didn’t need to risk Aaron. [So I] let him go back to his club with full fitness and play in a wonderful game, the Old Firm derby.
“I made that decision not to have him in the 23, knowing then it’s less risk of him getting injured or picking anything else up, so we can protect him a little bit for June. We’re in the final now. The job was done, the most important game was against Austria on Thursday.”
Page will have Van Bronckhorst’s respect after Ramsey rest decision
Page will surely have earned Van Bronckhorst’s respect, if not already, for resting Ramsey as Wales drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic so he can feature when Rangers face Celtic. The Old Firm derby on Sunday will likely be crucial in deciding who wins the Premiership.
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The Bhoys currently sit atop the table by three points and are unbeaten in 25 games since September 19. They also edged the Gers 3-0 at Parkhead last month, to deal Rangers just a second defeat this season. The Ibrox natives were unbeaten in 22 matches since August 7.
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