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Steven Gerrard admits he wanted to substitute Lassana Coulibaly at half-time

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Rangers beat Dundee 4-0 at Ibrox on Saturday afternoon.

15th September 2018, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Ladbrokes Premiership football, Rangers versus Dundee; Steven Gerrard manager of Rangers

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he wanted to substitute Lassana Coulibaly at half time against Dundee on Saturday.

The Gers were in rampant form after the international break, as Coulibaly and Ryan Kent struck inside the first 15 minutes to put Rangers 2-0, before James Tavernier converted a penalty before the break.

Young winger Glenn Middleton then hit another after the break, giving Rangers a thumping 4-0 victory and the perfect response to the 4-0 defeat to Celtic before the break.

That gives Rangers a real boost ahead of this Thursday’s Europa League group stage clash with Villarreal, whilst Coulibaly got straight back top form.

The summer signing from Angers, 22, is on loan for the season and has already become a fan favourite at Ibrox thanks to his all-action displays, but missed a host of games through injury – including the defeat to Celtic.

Coulibaly came back on Saturday and was back among the goals, turning in an impressive performance for his comeback from injury.

15th September 2018, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Ladbrokes Premiership football, Rangers versus Dundee; Lassana Coulibaly of Rangers celebrates after scoring for 1-0 in the 4th minute

Now though, boss Gerrard has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he actually wanted to substitute Coulibaly at half time in order to preserve him for Thursday’s trip to Spain, but kept him on a little longer before wisely taking him off – and he’s now waiting for the nod from the fitness coach to use him against Villarreal.

“I was thinking about taking him off at half-time but I just wanted to give him another 10 then get him off and save his legs,” said Gerrard. “Hopefully we can use him again on Thursday if the fitness coach allows,” he added.

Lassana Coulibaly of Rangers is seen during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Rangers and Wigan Athletic at Ibrox Stadium on July 29, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland.