It wasn’t so long ago Rangers were fearing de ja vu when it came to the potential starting XI for the opening Scottish Premiership fixture at Livingston. But they have gone from talk of the ‘same old’ to working out just how to fit all of the new boys into the starting line-up.
Former Ibrox chief Charles Green used to love a soundbite and he once said that when it came to players football managers were like his wife with shoes - no matter how many you have you always want more.
And Giovanni van Bronckhorst certainly won’t be complaining as the signings pile up this summer. It comes after a slow start in the transfer market but Ross Wilson and his recruitment team are certainly making up for lost time in that department with Malik Tillman set to become the fifth new face to arrive this pre-season, including John Souttar who was signed on a pre-contract from Hearts in January.
Excitement levels have cranked right up among the light blue legions with Record Sport columnist Barry Ferguson admitting the front options in particular that are available to Van Bronckhorst are mouthwatering with Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence and Antonio Colak likely to be joined by Tillman in what could potentially be an entirely new front four.
It was always anticipated that it would be a major summer rebuild ahead of Van Bronckhorst’s first full season in charge and that of course means departures as well as arrivals. Joe Aribo was the first of the key men to head for the exit, although Leon Balogun was a dependable defender whenever called upon.
A huge question mark now remains over Calvin Bassey as Ajax and Brighton battle it out for the former Leicester City kid. Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Ryan Jack and Filip Helander are also entering the final year of their Ibrox deals so decisions are likely to have to be made on them if the club wants to avoid the risk of losing them for nothing next summer.
Van Bronckhorst is still on the hunt for more new signings there is plenty of time for further change in the squad personnel but Record Sport has taken a look at the squad options as it stands and a potential XI for the Tony Macaroni Arena if Tillman arrives and Bassey departs.
Goalkeepers
Allan McGregor
Jon McLaughlin
Robby McCrorie
Right back
James Tavernier
Mateusz Zukowski
Adam Devine
Central defence
Connor Goldson
John Souttar
Niko Katic
Filip Helander
Leon King
Jack Simpson
Left back
Calvin Bassey
Borna Barisic
Central midfielders
John Lundstram
Steven Davis
Ryan Jack
Glen Kamara
James Sands
Stephen Kelly
Charlie McCann
Wingers/attacking midfielders
Tom Lawrence
Rabbi Matondo
Ryan Kent
Fashion Sakala
Scott Wright
Scott Arfield
Ianis Hagi
Alex Lowry
Strikers
Alfredo Morelos
Antonio Colak
Kemar Roofe
Potential starting XI v Livingston
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