'We need to see'...Clement gets Old Firm boost as boss hints at Gers star return
04/05/2024 15:00
Rangers have been given a much-needed boost at a time when Phillipe Clement is running out of options.
Connor Goldson has been added to the list of names that won't be seen again this season but there are a couple who could be back in his squad, just in time.
With five cup finals in the coming weeks, Rangers team for the key Old Firm clash at Parkhead could be about to get a lot stronger for Philippe Clement.
Rangers duo could give Philippe Clement Old Firm boos
As expected, it was bad news about Danilo and Oscar Cortes, however, there was some good news in that Abdallah Sima and Rabbi Matondo are expected to be available for selection again before the season is out.
If Rangers are to beat Celtic twice, which is what they need to do to achieve their goals, a having Ridvan Yilmaz and Ryan Jack back in the squad could be the difference.
Speaking as part of the pre-match build up for the visit of Kilmarnock, Philippe Clement explained just how close Ridvan and Jack were to returning to action:
"We need to see tomorrow. Ridvan maybe, Ryan not yet.
“He is too far away for that, he needs to have a few trainings to be available for the squad.
“He will need more time than Ridvan but that is normal also because Ridvan has been a long time out but less long than Ryan."
Ridvan return could make the difference for Rangers
Ridvan has been touch and go for weeks.
There has been a distinct lack of balance on Rangers left-hand side and having someone who can cover inside to protect the counterattack as well as overlap and join the attack can't be underestimated.
In recent weeks, there has been almost nothing in terms of an attacking outlet down Rangers left flank.
With a week between games, the Turkey international will have plenty of time to recover after playing Kilmarnock this week and Celtic next.
Ryan Jack might not be able to make as big an impact as Ridvan in the coming weeks, however, when Rangers midfield has need more bite and someone to put out fires, he has been missed.
If Jack can get into the condition where he can be considered to start the Scottish Cup final, then he might yet get to leave on a high.
The more quality that Philippe Clement has in his squad, the better, especially when it is two players that can do things nobody else can.
