Aaron Ramsey’s performance for Wales against Austria was one that, if you were lucky enough to see it, should have Rangers fans’ mouths watering, a display that is everything we are looking for from our attacking midfielders.
He controlled the tempo, linked defence to attack and was a constant threat in behind Austria’s defence, being unlucky not to get on the scoresheet playing for a team that far from dictated play.
The only concern was that after playing the whole match and looking like he was struggling at the final whistle that he had over exerted himself ahead of a massive Old Firm derby, however, fears were eased when Wales manager, Rob Page, explained that he was given the night off against the Czech Republic to make sure that he was 100% for his adopted club side.
Speaking to Football Insider, Alan Hutton reckons that Ramsey will be a key figure in what is a huge run of fixtures and has backed the 31-year old to be fit and raring to go on Sunday:
“When you’ve been out for a long time, that first 90 minutes you play, you’re going to have muscle aches, muscle pain. That’s just normal.
“He has got the minutes in his legs he needs. He has been playing for Rangers as well. Another key part for Rangers moving forward. I think his experience and his know-how in big games can be key.
“Van Bronckhorst needs him in these upcoming games. I think it suits everybody that he can just relax. He can get his body back to how he likes it with a view to the Celtic game.
“The manager has got some big decisions to make. It is a huge game, but I think he will be 100 per cent fit for it.”
Hopefully Hutton is right and that Ramsey is now at a stage where he can contribute more often, obviously we will have to still manage his minutes but he has shown in the last few weeks that he can start games and have a positive impact.
It was frustrating when he had a set back after the first Borussia Dortmund match just as he was nearing full fitness but with three games in the last few weeks we should expect to see his name in the starting XI more often, beginning with Ibrox on Sunday which will be his first home start. A win wouldn’t be a bad way to make a decent first impression on the home support.