Rangers manager Steven Gerrard didn’t mince his words after yesterday’s friendly defeat by Tranmere, blasting his fringe players for their performance at Prenton Park.
However, while a pocket of Rangers supporters were getting worked up about the result on the Wirrall, an entire team’s worth of first-team players were nowhere to be seen.
A host of players have been away representing their national team’s over the summer, taking part in Euro 2020 or Copa America with varying levels of success, while others have yet to make their first appearance of pre-season.
There are also two new faces at Ibrox this summer yet to play for Steven Gerrard‘s side in Nnamdi Ofoborh and Fashion Sakala – with Arsenal at Ibrox the next friendly for the Light Blues.
With plenty still in reserve for Gerrard, and more additions likely to arrive, there’s still lots more to come for Rangers before they kick off their competitive fixtures against Livingston on July 31.
Friendies against the Gunners, Blackpool, Brighton and Real Madrid are scheduled over the next two weeks so there will be lots of opportunity for Gerrard to bring those who haven’t played yet into the side.
Here’s an entire starting XI of players yet to make an appearance for Rangers in their two pre-season games so far:
Jon McLaughlin
The Scotland keeper was at Euro 2020 and has been with the squad but is yet to play with Allan McGregor and Robby McCrorie sharing the gloves so far. The veteran is likely to play backup to McGregor again this season but may get a chance to play in some of the upcoming friendlies as well as cup games.
Nathan Patterson
Patterson has had a big summer after representing Scotland at the Euros and becoming the youngest player to pull on the dark blue at a major tournament. Will be hoping he can get games quickly and have a real chance to compete with James Tavernier for a place in the starting XI.
Filip Helander
Another who was at Euro 2020 but got limited minutes for Sweden before they were eliminated. A rock for Rangers last season, Helander is now about to start his third season at Ibrox and is still to taste defeat in a league game.
Niko Katic
Katic missed the entirety of last season with a serious knee injury and doesn’t seem to be too far away from getting some minutes. Gerrard won’t want to take any unneccesary risks with the popular Rangers star but it wouldn’t be a surprise is he was to head out on loan this season.
Borna Barisic
The Croatian had an injury-hit Euro 2020 but seems to have gotten over the worst of his problem. Will be interesting to see just where his fitness is when he returns though as Rangers aren’t blessed with great cover at left-back.
Ryan Jack
Despite missing half of last season, the Scotland midfielder is a massive part of how Rangers play and was a big miss at Euro 2020 for Steve Clarke’s side. After undergoing surgery towards the end of last season, it might be a while yet until Jack is back to his best and really pushing for a return to the side – although the arrival of John Lundstram will make that fight a bit harder for him now.
Nnamdi Ofoborh
Arrives as Rangers as a bit of an unknown quantity after injury disrupted his loan spell at Wycombe following the announcement of his Ibrox switch. Fans are eager to see him in action for the Light Blues and he should be integrated into the side over the coming weeks as Gerrard put the finishing touches to his preparations.
Glen Kamara
The last of the players to have been involved at Euro 2020, Kamara gained a huge amount of attention over the summer with his performances for Finland. The Rangers star has been linked with moves to a number of clubs this summer as talks over a new deal appear to have stalled. Kamara will be a huge player this season for Rangers – if the can keep him at Ibrox.
Scott Arfield
The Canadian has been more and more prone to injury recently and his absence isn’t actually one that makes a huge amount of difference for the Gers. Gerrard knows exactly what he gets from Arfield when he’s fit and he’s one of the players that the manager clearly has absolute faith in. Will have a role to play this season but expect Arfield to be on the fringes of the side this season.
Fashion Sakala
Another new signing who is yet to make his first appearance, Sakala’s arrival has been delayed by Visa and Covid issues. Fans are excited to see what the forward brings to the side after his Bosman move to Ibrox. Will increase competition in an already croweded area of the pitch but will be desperate to get started.
Alfredo Morelos
Morelos has been a frustrated spectator as Colombia finished third at Copa America, getting less than 10 minutes of game-time and El Bufalo’s return is one fans can’t wait for. Despite rumours over his future, Morelos still remains firmly a Rangers player and he’ll no doubt fancy making an appearance when Real Madrid are the visitors in a fortnight.
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