James Tavernier of Rangers is seen at full time during the SPL | Premier League match between Rangers FC and St. Johnstone FC at Ibrox Stadium on O…Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Monumental Rangers selection call made for Aberdeen as ‘massive shout’ sparks debate
With injury worries not going away, Rangers’ team selection from game to game is interesting just now.
Two Gers stars are major doubts to face Aberdeen on Wednesday as they join Ridvan Yilmaz, Danilo, Rabbi Matondo and Oscar Cortes on the sidelines.
With captain James Tavernier dropped to the bench to face St Mirren at the weekend, there remains a question mark over his involvement from the start too.
It means fans will be kept guessing over the way Philippe Clement will go for this huge clash until the team is revealed.
READ MORE: Rangers squad man red flag after Philippe Clement told to get ‘winner’ into team
Nerayasho Kasanwirjo of Rangers during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Rangers FC and Fotbal Club FCSB at Ibrox Stadi…
Alan Hutton makes ‘huge’ James Tavernier Rangers call
Alan Hutton has been one of the advocates for James Tavernier to be rested more often after being a mainstay at right-back for several years.
But he was still shocked to see the captain dropped to the bench for the win over St Mirren.
He was though impressed with replacement Neraysho Kasanwirjo and his ability to do both the defensive and attacking sides of the game effectively.
So much so that he would be tempted to play the Feyenoord loanee against Aberdeen.
Hutton told the Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Show: “I’m not going to lie, I was shocked when I seen Tavernier wasn’t playing. Yes we’ve spoken about it, do I think he needs a rest from time to time? Absolutely, sometimes taken out the firing line as well. But I was still shocked when I seen it.
“And then I thought Kasanwijro played well at right-back. Getting up and down the pitch, technically very good on the ball, finding the striker, getting up and crossing the ball in.
“The big question mark is what happens Wednesday? I think he (Tavernier) will come in and play. I would fall off this seat (if he doesn’t). I genuinely think he’ll come in and play.”
Pressed for a definitive answer on who he would pick himself, he added: “I like Kasanwirjo there. I think defensively and everything you’ll need up there, I think you’ll need to think smartly.
“Defensive wise, one v one, he is better. You think of the players he’s coming up against.”
Fellow pundit Michael Stewart had previously insisted Tavernier has to come back into the side and said he would be ‘flabbergasted’ if he doesn’t.
Could Rangers play a back three vs Aberdeen?
The signing of Kasanwirjo has certainly given Philippe Clement options, particularly as he can play either at full-back or at centre-back.
With John Souttar currently injured that does change things, but Hutton was asked about the possibility of playing a back three against the Dons, to allow Tavernier to come back into the side at wing-back.
He replied: “That is a massive shout. I’m just saying for certain game you have to be smarter. Wednesday you’re coming up against players with real pace so I don’t see the reason why Kasanwirjo can’t play.
“Everything that James Tavernier has done is absolutely brilliant, this is not a dig. I just think in certain games, even when I was playing, it was ‘we need somebody a bit more defensive minded and going to be strong up against pace, this is a danger area, this is how we’re going to deal with them.
“It’s huge but that’s why we’re here. Do I think the manager will drop him? No, I don’t.”
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