Rangers star Scott Arfield thinks the chance for some of the Gers’ youngsters to get first-team experience in Armenia after the Light Blue were rocked by a number of positive Covid tests is “great for everybody” – despite being without manager Steven Gerrard and several key players.
Gerrard, goalkeepers Allan McGregor & Jon McLaughlin and captain James Tavernier are amongst those who haven’t made the trip to Armenia for tonight’s Europa League playoff clash as Rangers look to secure their place in the group stage for a fourth successive season.
The club confirmed a number of positive Covid tests on their official website but haven’t given any details of who has tested positive or is self-isolating – leading to hope from Rangers fans that some could return for Sunday’s Old Firm.
While Arfield admits it’s not ideal, the Canadian believes the youngsters will gain invaluable experience – as well as the possibility of some minutes – when Rangers face Alashkert this evening.
“It is what it is and it is not an ideal situation, of course, but every club around the country has been affected by this virus,” Arfield said [Rangers TV].
“We still have a strong squad over here with the addition of the young boys getting some experience so we need to take the positives out of it rather than the negatives.
“We have all been in that situation – maybe not on a European adventure, but they are the lucky ones and find themselves with us and they will gain invaluable experience going forward seeing how the senior players perform in the lead-up to this game.
“So it is great for everybody, more so the young lads and hopefully we can get the right result.”
With so many players unavailable for the Gers, the Light Blues face a daunting task to make the group stage of the Europa League – although there is enough quality there for a strong starting XI to be named.
Arfield will likely find himself starting and the Rangers star will need to be at his best tonight to reach the groups.
Once tonight is out of the way, then attention can turn to Sunday and the Old Firm clash at Ibrox as Rangers look to open up a cushion on Celtic in the title race early in the campaign.
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