RANGERS boss Philippe Clement is once again dealing with a raft of injury problems.
And with Jose Cifuentes now facing a Viaplay Cup Final suspension, midfield options especially are at a premium right now.
2
2
Nicolas Raskin had originally been expected to return after November’s international break but he’s still not appeared having now missed 10 games.
There’s no official timetable for the Belgian’s return, other than he’s out for longer than first anticipated.
Tom Lawrence had battled his way back after a year on the sidelines and after an initial injury scare looked to finally be over it.
That was until he went off early against Hearts in midweek and will now be missing again until the new year.
READ MORE RANGERS STORIES
Then there’s Ryan Jack, too, who has been missing since suffering an injury while away with Scotland.
Kieran Dowell is another midfield man who’s been dealing with injury problems but even though he’s back training, he’s yet to appear under new boss Clement.
It meant just two recognised centre midfielders were in the squad for Saturday’s 3-1 win over Dundee, with John Lundstram and Jose Cifuentes starting in the middle of the park.
So the last thing Clement will have wanted to see was the red card showing to Ecuador star Cifuentes after VAR intervention right before half-time.
Rangers could yet appeal the decision but as it stands, Cifuentes will be OUT of next Sunday’s Viaplay Cup Final.
The red card meant a bit of a half-time shake-up.
Dujon Sterling, who has barely featured since his summer switch from Chelsea, replaced Todd Cantwell.
And it was the 24-year old who slotted in alongside Lundstram in what for him was an unfamiliar midfield role.
A natural right-sided defender who can also operate on the left, it was the second game running Sterling has come off the bench.
He managed to impress during a late cameo at left-back at Tynecastle on Wednesday and Rangers fans very much liked what they saw from him in the middle of the park this weekend.
Sterling was denied a sensational goal late on when he saw a superb curling effort come crashing back off of the post.
Rangers managed to see out a 3-1 win despite red card, and actually finished the game with two defenders in midfield – Sterling and Leon King.
After the game, several Rangers fans took to social media to heap praise on Sterling.
And many think it’s time for the former Stoke loanee to get a proper chance to show what he can do.
One fan said: “Machine what a player. Keep it going.”
A second said: “Should be playing every week. This lad is real quality.”
A third added: “My guy this is your chance.”
A fourth commented: “Great performance today, grab your chance and stay in the team.”
Another said: “You and Lundstram in that midfield I think would be good. You’re definitely due a start.”
Another comment read: “Must start next game. Excellent display.”
Before next Sunday’s final with Aberdeen, Rangers have a crunch Europa League.
The Light Blues are off to Seville to take on Real Betis with their future in the competition beyond Christmas on the line.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Should things not go to plan in Spain, Rangers are guaranteed to drop into the Europa Conference League.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page