---
title: "Rangers: Joshua Barrie makes ‘light’ in defence claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/rangers-joshua-barrie-makes-light-in-defence-claim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Mark Murphy"
section: "Podcasts"
published: "2023-02-01T13:40:25Z"
modified: "2023-02-01T13:40:25Z"
---

# Rangers: Joshua Barrie makes ‘light’ in defence claim

**Journalist Joshua Barrie has criticised the depth of [Rangers’](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/rangers-fc-news/) squad, claiming that [Michael Beale’s](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tag/michael-beale/) side is ‘light’ on defensive options.**

### The Lowdown: Injury woes

The [Scottish Premiership](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/championship-news/) club currently have four [available](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/glasgow-rangers/startseite/verein/124) centre-backs, with John Souttar and Filip Helander currently sidelined with injuries.

Rangers boast the [second-best](https://www.skysports.com/scottish-premier-table) defensive record in the league, but they almost let a goal in every game on average, conceding 22 goals from 23 matches.

Meanwhile, their only [arrivals](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rangers-fc/transfers/verein/124/plus/?saison_id=2022&pos=&detailpos=&w_s=w) in January were in midfield, with Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin adding to Beale’s options at Ibrox.

### The Latest: ‘Light’ on defenders

Speaking on [The Rangers Review](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MskHGg9I0Bc&t=1403s), Barrie claimed that there’s not enough cover there and it would be risky to rely on Souttar, who’s still currently out [injured](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/john-souttar/verletzungen/spieler/235767).

He stated: “The centre of defence is maybe a little bit light. You’re banking on John Souttar getting back, and after he’s missed the first whole half of the season, I think that’s a bit of a risky ploy.”

### The Verdict: One for the summer

We believe that for now, Rangers just about have enough cover for the centre-back position. However, Beale should look to provide more depth in the summer window.

The Gers faithful have seen [very little](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/john-souttar/leistungsdaten/spieler/235767) of Souttar since his arrival was [announced](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11788/12515753/john-souttar-rangers-sign-hearts-defender-on-pre-contract-agreement) in January of last year. In our view, he should be given some opportunities in the backline when he’s back to full fitness to see if he can be a useful option for Rangers.

[Ex-footballer](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/simon-donnelly/profil/spieler/3988) Simon Donnelly tipped the defender for big things when he arrived at Ibrox, claiming that Souttar could become a ‘big player’ for the Gers when speaking on the [Go Radio Football Show](https://player.fm/series/the-go-radio-football-show-podcast/the-go-radio-football-show-31st-may-w7j6QRa3rwvlYIxQ) back in May.

There is one concern about the Scot’s future with the club, as Souttar has had a career plagued by a [large](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/john-souttar/verletzungen/spieler/235767) number of injuries. One school of thought could be it’s only a matter of time before the 26-year-old is once again on the sidlines.

Whatever the outcome is, we trust Beale to get it right. The two new additions he [signed](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rangers-fc/transfers/verein/124/plus/?saison_id=2022&pos=&detailpos=&w_s=w) last month certainly look to be young and promising talents so perhaps he has an eye for an adequate alternative if he needs a more long-term option. In our view, he will get the assessment on his defence correct when the summer rolls around.