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Momentum gained today makes a mockery of calls for PSV cancellation

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Image for Momentum gained today makes a mockery of calls for PSV cancellation

The important momentum gained today against St Johnstone makes a mockery of calls for a cancellation of a game in between the Champions League Playoff against PSV.

Earlier this week, there was plenty said and headlines written following confirmation that the Dutch football authorities had agreed to cancel PSV’s game against Volendam – set for August 20th – which falls in between both legs against Rangers.

The Eindhoven side also played on Saturday, regarding a 2-4 away victory at Go Ahead Eagles.

In response, there were many suggestions and accusations that the SPFL and SFA should be rallying to Rangers cause in order to support a representative from Scotland in reaching the top table of European football.

Ally McCoist reflected back on 2008 along with the sentiment that Rangers should be helped now when he stated on his TalkSport platform:

“It’s a shambles. Particularly the Scottish FA.”

“That’s what you’re dealing with. We’re so blinkered and narrow-minded. Any Scottish team that has an opportunity to do well in Europe should be helped but there’s none. When we played Zenit in 2008 I honestly think they were given three weeks off by their federation and we had to play five league games in 11 days. The Dutch FA want to help their teams.”

Context

If it was during an end of season run in at the business end then it would be understandable. In August, four or five games into the competitive season? Nah, no chance.

Rangers have a massive squad just now with players bursting to get onto the pitch to show their worth. If we can’t navigate past the likes of St Johnstone and Hibs in domestic games, around bigger challenges in Europe then something isn’t quite right.

On Saturday against the Saints, Rangers clearly benefited from their second half dominance in particular. Substitutes such as Scott Arfield and Tom Lawrence came on to the pitch to add goals and impact, setting things up nicely for Tuesday.

If GvB’s team were to beat PSV on Tuesday, the best thing is to go again for more momentum. That following game will be away in Leith next weekend but conversely or even in defeat, there is a counter argument that rest and preparation would be better.

At this time of the season, there won’t any significant tiredness, fatigue or limited player options – go, play and prosper.

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