We need to talk about Jack Simpson.
One of the key factors towards us winning the Scottish Premiership title last season was that every player in the squad could be trusted to come in and do a job.
There is though, one player that I’m yet to be convinced has what it takes to be a Rangers player and I tend to be more patient than most – Jack Simpson.
With Filip Helander out injured, the former Bournemouth centre-half will probably be given more game time to make sure that Leon Balogun isn’t over stretched, however, he needs to significantly up his performance levels if he is to win fans over.
Whoscored.com compiles statistics for each performance and over the last two seasons, Simpson is rated as “weak” for aerial duels and “very weak” for discipline.
His discipline played a key part in Rangers conceding to Motherwell, already on a yellow card for a cheap foul on the touchline when there was cover from Borna Barisic, he was unable to commit outside the box which left Connor Goldson exposed and having to cover – a “tactical foul” would have seen the move break down in it’s infancy.
The problem with Simpson is that there has been too many shaky moments, getting out muscled or beaten in 1v1s, not being particularly commanding in the air and showing a lack of confidence in possession – the main reason why he was brought to the club.
Helander is going to be out for the next few months and with Balogun’s body not capable of coping with the physical demnds of playing every game, Steven Gerrard may look to plan B on Wednesday against Livingston – Calvin Bassey.
He is more confident, more aggressive and assertive in his defending and looks comfortable with the ball at his feet, the weight of the Rangers jersey can be too heavy for some but Bassey wears it well – he may be rough around the edges but at least he doesn’t look like he is terrified of making a mistake every time the ball goes near him.