Pundit questions Rangers substitutions against Celtic.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Pundit Michael Stewart has questioned Rangers manager Mark Warburton’s substitutions in the 1-0 loss to rivals Celtic.
While the slender defeat was an improvement on their 5-1 loss last month, it showed there is still work for the Gers to do if they are to catch their rivals.
Stewart told the Scottish Sun he felt the game was made for Michael O’Halloran to cause problems for the Celtic defence.
Rangers’ Michael O’Halloran shoots
Rangers made three changes in the second half, bringing on strikers Joe Garner, Martyn Waghorn and Joe Dodoo.
O’Halloran, a former Celtic trainee, was an unused substitute, with the Gers making all three substitutions before Moussa Dembele’s 87th minute winner.
Stewart said: “For me Michael O’Halloran should have been utilised later in the game purely for his blistering speed.
“Everybody on the pitch was feeling the pace, and O’Halloran would have been the ideal replacement for Kenny Miller.
“To go with Joe Garner was a baffling one, as I don’t think he is good enough or quick enough. While I’m not convinced Joe Dodoo is the answer either.”
Rangers’ Joe Garner celebrates
Garner has struggled to find the net since signing for Rangers, bagging just one goal in six games. That strike did come in the 5-1 loss to Celtic, and it is understandable to that end, why Mark Warburton felt confident he could replicate that.
The 1-0 defeat meant Rangers missed out on qualifying for the Betfred Cup final against Aberdeen. In the league they are in fifth place, seven points behind Celtic, who also have a game in hand.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
