Rangers squad is starting to look like, well, a proper squad for what seems like the first time in ages. No longer do we have an assortment of academy players and fourth-choice options making up the bench with regulars being forced to play out of position.
Michael Beale went strong against Raith Rovers and it was great to see so many internationals back in the fold, players like Ridvan Yilmaz, Ianis Hagi and John Souttar will bring a quality to training and match days that has long been missing.
Other than the long-term suspects, the most notable absentee in recent fixtures has been Malik Tillman who, evidently, was rushed back too soon for the league cup final seeing as he hasn’t featured since, there is though, some good news on the USA’s fitness with the Gers gaffer also hinting at a potential surprise for the short trip to Motherwell this weekend, as reported by The Rangers Review:
“Malik Tillman trained today so I’m delighted that he’s back within the group. He trained well this morning, so he’s available for selection.
“Borna’s wife is due to give birth, it’s her first child. She’s running a couple of days late, but obviously, then he goes well on international duty, so we’re running tight on that one.
“But Ridvan’s fit and available and young Adam Devine and you may see a change of formation where we play with somebody else out there as well.”
Having Tillman back is a huge boost, he has as big a claim as any to being our player of the year and we haven’t really had the chance to see what he can do with Nico Raskin – who might be a doubt for Saturday – and Todd Cantwell supporting him from midfield. It would also be good to see him pushed further forwards now that we have that option.
Ridvan played three games last week between the B team and first-team so he should be approaching the stage where he is fit enough to start, if necessary, Devine can cover him from the bench.
What Beale is hinting at with the change of shape is anyone’s guess. Ben Davies could move out to the left in a back three with Souttar on the other side which would allow us to play a more attack minded player on the left in a 3-4-3 or 3-4-1-2 with James Tavernier playing almost as he normally does higher up the park – my guess, it will be the same shape but with a change of personnel and hopefully some minutes for Tillman.