Aaron Ramsey appears in pole position to start for Rangers on Thursday in Belgrade against Red Star.
The on-loan Juventus star is more than capable at this level and following a solid display at Dundee on Sunday, many Gers supporters are waiting to see what happens next. He got around 80 minutes into the tank at Dens Park so that should stand him in good stead for the upcoming massive Europa League clash.
If he is absent due to a reaction following the game or in preparation for Belgrade then it will send an ominous message.
Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has been watching on with interest at Ramsey’s situation after his move back to the UK to get game time at Ibrox – the fact he hasn’t played more has been noted, but with a caveat, as told to Football Insider:
“It’s been very difficult to keep him fit. That’s always been the case with him, I don’t think anybody could question his talent though.”
“To show consistency of performance you have got to be available. Let’s be honest, the availability hasn’t been there.”
“People are always going to question you and say things if you are not available.”
“Aaron Ramsey needs an injury-free run until the end of the season now. It’s make or break time.”
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If he is fit and available, Ramsey will play. Giovanni van Bronckhorst is well aware of his situation and his condition will be managed as well as his workload on the pitch. An inside right midfield position, with licence to get forward, looks to be the role he has been earmarked for – working with the overlapping James Tavernier as we witnessed in Dundee.
Rangers are now facing the business end of the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and the Europa League. This is the reason that Ramsey came to Ibrox, for the lure of playing for prizes in front of an expectant, passionate crowd but he has to be up to the task given the relative picture, overall.
A fully-fit Aaron Ramsey would still be in Serie A with Juve or back in the Premier League so it is due to his issues that he finds himself in Scotland. That said, over the last couple of years, he has featured often enough for Wales so Rangers will be intending to unlock his excellent ability, if even just for this short term period until the end of the season.
This move was a gamble that Rangers had to take given the limited risk involved. Hopefully the red-hot atmosphere in Belgrade on Thursday will be the background for an important staging post in the Welshman’s journey to make an impact on Rangers season and his own career plans.
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – February 2, 2022 Rangers’ Aaron Ramsey is seen in the stands during the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff