Noel Whelan has urged Glasgow Rangers not to sign a new centre-back following injuries to Nikola Katic and Filip Helander, instead saying they should look to play a defensive midfielder already on their books in that role instead.
The Croatia international recently picked up a training injury, meaning that he will be out for the foreseeable future. Helander was then set to take over, but he has also picked up a knock, although it does not appear to as serious as Katic’s issue. As such, this leaves the Ibrox outfit light at the heart of their defence, and Steven Gerrard has already insinuated that he is looking to make a new signing in that position.
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However, Whelan has told Football Insider that the Gers boss should avoid a move for a new defender. He said:
“This is really going to depend on the length of the injury.
“If it is only a couple of weeks they will be able to find a player within the club to cover or get an experienced player to drop into that role like Fernandinho has for Manchester City.
“If a player can adapt that would be better than wasting money or someone who you may not want to keep. It is better to keep it in house.
“I am sure a defensive midfielder can drop in there and do a job for a few weeks until Helander is back.”
Whelan does have a point – if Helander is not out for too long, then Gerrard might be able to get away with George Edmundson partnering Connor Goldson for the first few weeks. But the new signing would not just cover the Sweden international – it would also replace Katic.
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This is an important season for the Gers as they look to win a first piece of major silverware since 2011. Whilst it is therefore important that the 54-time Scottish champions do not sign any old player, they cannot afford to be without numbers. As such, the Gers should look to bring in reinforcements at the back.
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