Glasgow Rangers take on Celtic this weekend without their suspended centre-back.
Following the news that Rangers defender Rob Kiernan will miss the upcoming league game against Celtic after an appeal against his red card was rejected it would be easy to suggest the decision is a blow to the Gers’ hopes of victory.
However, given the 26-year-old’s recent performances Graeme Murty’s men may be better off without him.
Kiernan has featured 30 times for Rangers so far this season. However he is not performing anywhere near the level required to inspire victory over Celtic on Sunday and the visitors will be better off making the simple decision to replace their suspended centre-back with Danny Wilson.
The 25-year-old is the most likely replacement and he will be hoping he can add to his 15 appearances in the current campaign.
Celtic have some of the most exciting and effective attacking options in Scotland, with young French forward Moussa Dembele hoping to make it a habit to score against the Gers.
But despite the huge point difference between the two sides, and the fact that Celtic have already hammered Rangers 5-1 at home and beaten them in the league and the cup at Ibrox, a victory for the Bhoys is not guaranteed.
Only time will tell if Rangers do better without Kiernan in the starting line-up, but he has done little to suggest his presence would have been anything other than a hindrance.
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