Steven Gerrard made the surprise call to recall Jordan Rossiter.
Steven Gerrard’s changes to the Rangers team backfired with the Gers only managing a 1-1 draw with Dundee.
The most eye catching decision was to select injury prone midfielder Jordan Rossiter, whose Rangers career has been as stop-start as you can get.
The reason for Gerrard’s changes was clear.
Rangers have a crucial Europa League clash this Thursday, and Rossiter is ineligible for the competition as he was not registered in the squad.
Gerrard rested regular starters Lassana Coulibaly and Ovie Ejaria, who was used as a substitute.
Rossiter was as rusty as should be expected from a player who has barely featured this season.
However to blame him for Rangers’ failure to win would be a mistake.
Rossiter did not hide, was always offering for the ball, and was trying to take his team forward.
He showed flashes of quality, and was one of Rangers’ better players, in a match where nobody in a blue shirt really shone.
Rossiter can’t feature against Rapid Vienna, but he should be recalled for the subsequent league game against Hamilton.
Steven Gerrard does not want to gain a reputation for tinkering with his side, and he must double down on his Rossiter selection.
Rossiter was selected because of his ability, in addition to his availability.
He can get even better with a regular run of games. Odd starts here and there won’t help, and increase the scrutiny each time he plays, making it seem like a rare and unusual occurrence, and a decision which needs scrutiny.
It’s time for Rangers to give him the opportunity over the coming weeks to show what he can do.
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