Rangers fans have endured a tricky few weeks and, with some big games on the horizon in the Scottish Premiership, their fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping results will pick up over the coming weeks!
After poor results against Hearts and Ross County, the pressure eventually told as Mark Warburton left the club in very odd circumstances.
Here in the Transfer Tavern we couldn’t quite believe what was going on at Ibrox but all that’s important now is that Graeme Murty will be in charge for this weekend’s game at Dundee – one the Gers must win.
With Celtic dominating and Aberdeen picking up the pace in recent weeks, Rangers really need to make sure they start picking up wins against teams that are struggling at the wrong end of the table.
And with Dundee floating around the relegation area, Gers fans will be expecting a win when they travel to face them on Sunday afternoon.
So, with that in mind and armed with some help from our Rangers punters here in the bar, here’s the XI Murty absolutely must field to get things going in the right direction again for the club…
GK: Wes Foderingham
Former Swindon Town man Wes Foderingham has been in good form for Gers this season and he’s easily been one of the most consistent players in the XI.
But with Jak Alnwick signing from Port Vale in the January transfer window, Foderingham will have to be at his best to ensure he remains Rangers’ number one going forward.
RB: James Tavernier
James Tavernier has quickly become a favourite amongst Rangers fans here in the pub after his strong performances over the past couple of years.
He’s a rampaging full-back who isn’t shy to get forward or in getting goals either and a couple more strikes this campaign wouldn’t harm the Rangers cause in the slightest.
CB: Clint Hill
Clint Hill brings a wealth of experience to this Rangers back-line but you’ve got to wonder whether he’s the sort of player who can bring Champions League level performances to Ibrox in the coming years.
But for now and at this level, he’s doing a job for the Glasgow side and he should have enough quality to shut out Dundee on Sunday.
CB: Philippe Senderos
Rangers haven’t got much going for them at the back at the moment but with Rob Kiernan getting hammered of late it makes sense that Senderos continues at the back after the cup game against Greenock Morton.
LB: Lee Wallace
Lee Wallace is a player with a wealth of experience who has played well this season. He bagged an important equaliser against Ross County a couple of weeks back and doesn’t deserve to lose his place in the side.
He’s touch and go in terms of fitness for this one but if there’s a chance he’s fit Murty will have to gamble.
CM: Jason Holt
Former Hearts man Jason Holt has featured heavily in the Rangers side this campaign and brings a nice balance to the midfield.
He’s not going to grab you a dozen goals every campaign but when it comes to anchoring the middle-of-the-park and protecting the defence, he’s arguably as good as anyone in the division.
CM: Andy Halliday
Andy Halliday has been a welcome, consistent presence in what’s been a odd campaign for the Gers. 28 appearances to his name this season and he’s bound to make more.
CM: Emerson Hyndman
Another loanee in the midfield, Bournemouth’s Emerson Hyndman will be hoping for a strong second half of the season as he looks to push his way into manager Eddie Howe’s first-team plans for next season.
The American international has a growing reputation in the States and we’ve seen some good things from him so far this campaign.
RW: Josh Windass
Son of former Hull City favourite Dean, Josh Windass is a flying winger who has been gradually improving since his transfer to Rangers from Accrington Stanley.
Unlike fellow former Accrington man Matt Crookes, he’s really settled at Ibrox and brings lots of quality to the flank. He’s not afraid to take a player on and if he’s on form, Dundee might struggle to keep up with the youngster. He should be fit for this one with him back in training.
ST: Kenny Miller
At times like this Rangers need a cool and experienced head on the pitch and they don’t come much more like that than with Kenny Miller. He’ll be determined to lead by example.
LW: Barrie McKay
There was plenty of Rangers punters worrying Barrie McKay would move away from Ibrox in January and they were certainly happy to see him stay put.
He brings real quality to the Gers forward line and going forward, he looks like he’ll be a big player for the club as he continues to help re-establish them in the top flight of Scottish football.
Thoughts, Rangers fans? Let us know below!
