Stability and team cohesion has been one of the key factors in Rangers being so consistent this season as well as minimising risks in the transfer market.
With the “Covid 5” set to meet their fate this week few would have expected to see any of the players involved in the first team again but Nathan Patterson has shown exactly what he is capable of doing in James Tavernier’s absence, however, his inclusion hasn’t been the most surprising.
When news first broke of the “gathering” one name that seemed destined for an immediate exit from Ibrox was Bongani Zungu, since his return to training he has not only been involved in match day squads but has also seen time on the pitch, albeit limited.
Steven Gerrard is always honest in his dealings with the press and few would have expected to see the South African international in a Light Blue shirt again.
Only a few weeks ago, speaking to Glasgow Live, the Gers gaffer when asked if Zungu’s chances of a permanent deal had diminished, said:
“I think that would be fair to say, yes.”
“That will take care of itself and we’ll move forward with the players who have remained professional and want to be part of a successful team.
“We spoke as a group and I explained the situation to them.
“We’re at such an important time of the season with the fixtures coming up that we can’t be worrying about it or letting our focus slide.”
The single biggest issue surrounding Zungu is the £2.7million pre-agreed transfer fee with Amiens, the French side have no chance of getting promoted this season and will no doubt be keen to get one of their biggest assets off the wage bill, especially as he has just one year left on his contract.
For that price, I wouldn’t be interested, however, don’t be surprised if Ross Wilson re-negotiates terms, a figure of around half of that sum could be enough to get a deal done, Zungu is a good player he’s just been unfortunate to have a player of the year contender blocking his path to the first-team – the evergreen Steven Davis.
I know I’m in the minority but I’ve seen enough in the games he has started – and his longer cameos – to suggest that he could do a job for us, he now knows the system, how we play, and as demonstrated against Slavia Prague, he is someone who will go into battle for his team-mates, he made a mistake but hopefully he’ll get the chance to make amends.