Glasgow Rangers were the victims of a highly controversial decision as Daniel Candeias was sent off for the Ibrox side.
After a slow introduction into the Rangers side, the Ibrox faithful may have been extremely excited when Steven Gerrard named Eros Grezda in the starting lineup at the weekend for the first time since his summer move to the Gers.
The Light Blues secured the three points away at St Mirren, but required two late goals after a lacklustre first-half performance against the Scottish Premiership strugglers.
Unfortunately, Grezda was one of those who struggled to make an impact during the opening 45 minutes. He did manage to hit the post shortly after the break, but was swiftly replaced by Daniel Candeias.
It was a real opportunity for Grezda to show why it was worth waiting for his first Rangers start. But he was unable to take that chance, and then had to watch as Candeias broke the deadlock with an effort in the latter stages.
Regardless of whether the Portuguese meant it or not, it was a reminder of what the 2017 signing brings to the side when he is playing well. And that may have left Grezda in danger of returning to the bench for Sunday’s clash with Motherwell.
However, it appears that the £2 million signing – fee reported by the Daily Record – may have been handed a lifeline in incredibly controversial circumstances.
Candeias was shown a second yellow after Alfredo Morelos scored the Gers’ second. It appeared to be a baffling decision – certainly, the television pictures showed nothing that suggested that the winger deserved another booking – and rules him out of this weekend’s game with Rangers unable to appeal.
That could perhaps leave the path clear for Grezda to get another start this week that he was surely much less likely to get had Candeias not been dismissed.
But if he does get that start, the pressure will certainly be on the 23-year-old to make a mark.
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