Former Rangers defender Dave MacKinnon has urged manager Steven Gerrard to pair Connor Goldson with Nikola Katic in matches going forward.
One of the criticisms aimed at the Gers boss right now is his inability to find a settled defensive line, with the centre-back and left-back positions regularly rotated, much to the frustration of supporters.
Now a former professional has weighed into the debate.
MacKinnon made over 100 appearances for the Gers in a four-year spell at the club in the 1980s and has made a plea to the current Ibrox boss to find a settled pairing in the middle of the defensive line.
As quoted by The Daily Record, MacKinnon said:
The Dundee result in particular will have taught him a huge amount. The manager gave players the benefit of the doubt and it didn’t work for him.
I believe Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic should now be the central-defensive pairing moving forward. Gareth McAuley’s a very experienced pro and that will be needed in some games but you also need a bit of pace and Katic has more pace than McAuley.
I would imagine now that Steven has no need to tinker any more with the defence. He will know for himself Goldson and Katic have proved their worth and have been more reliable than the others in the same position.
The comments are a fairly damning indictment of Nottingham Forest loanee Joe Worrall, who came under serious criticism for his performance away to Dundee on Sunday. Many feel the defensive prospect doesn’t have what it takes to play regularly for the Gers.
What path Gerrard now takes is vital and fans will be taking a seriously critical eye to his next few team selections. Can he find the right defensive blend to get back to winning ways?
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