After the storm of the transfer window is over for Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst things haven't quite calmed down yet with derby day just around the corner.
A trip to Ange Postecoglou's in-form Celtic will be a tough test for the Dutchman as he looks to claim an early advantage in the Scottish Premiership title race, and move to the top of the table. They travel to Glasgow's east end knowing that three points would throw down the gauntlet to the Scottish champions, and he will have midfielder Glen Kamara to select from amid deadline day links with OSG Nice.
The Ibrox boss has spoken about the prospect of the Finland international for the first time since the move to the Ligue 1 failed to materialise. Kamara will be joined in the squad by a returning Alfredo Morelos, who is ready for a match day for the first time since being banished from the Champions League team who saw off PSV in Eindhoven.
Tom Lawrence will be missing though having picked up a knee-injury picked up against Ross County. There were more positive news when it came to a return for Ben Davies.
Here's ever word from the Rangers manager's Friday press conference.
On the lack of deadline day deals
“I think we did our business quite early in the window and we had to do that because we had an important start to the season not only domestically but also in the Champions League. We are more than happy with the squad we have at the moment. We achieved our goal of reaching the group stages which is a huge achievement for my players so I am more than happy with the squad we have at the moment. At the end of the window I was quite relaxed. Of course you always keep an eye on possibilities to strengthen your squad or make you better but that wasn’t the case so that’s why we decided not to bring in new players."
On Tom Lawrence's fitness
"He is not available for tomorrow. Unfortunately, he had more problems the day after the game last week which means he will be out. I don’t expect him back before the international break. He is facing some weeks out. Of course, I'm very excited about the game tomorrow. The first Old Firm of the season, away. We are ready for the task, and we’ve trained well. It’s a very difficult ground to go to but we have everything to play for and we’re ready for the challenge."
On long-term injuries
"Ben (Davies) is training at the moment, that looks very positive. Kemar (Roofe) is also close to rejoining the group hopefully in the next couple of weeks. John (Souttar) and Filip (Helander) will be a longer absence. I hope I can give you more of an update after the weekend. (Ianis) Hagi is doing his programme but had a long-term injury. Hopefully, we get him back after the World Cup break. As I said before, Hagi is on schedule but it is a long-term injury so hopefully, we have him back around Christmas."
On Celtic clash significance
"The stakes are always high in an Old Firm. We go out tomorrow to go all in and win the game, and work really hard for it. If you see all the games we played last season, they were very close. Apart from the game in February. The performance then wasn’t at the level we needed to compete. All the games after, I think the margins were close. That will be the same tomorrow. If you have games so close, it will be decided by details. We need to make sure the details that will make the difference will be on our side."
On James Tavernier rumours
"Tav, I heard the rumours as well. Tav trained as normal and will be in the squad. I think we are good to go."
On Alfredo Morelos return
“Alfredo is in the squad for tomorrow. I had good talks with him last Sunday. I think he understood the message and he has worked hard to be back and to help the team. He is still a quality player with a lot of threat in front of goals. His training this week has been really positive. You want players in your squad that can change games and Alfredo is definitely a player who definitely can do that. So that gives me an option to play with him up front. I’m happy for all of us that he is back. He looks very positive. Now, for him, he has to maintain this and also contribute when he is on the pitch."
On the blow of losing Tom Lawrence
Of course, it’s never good to be sidelined as a player. Tom had a great start to his Rangers career and as a coach, it’s disappointing that he is not available for a couple of weeks. You know in football that sometimes happens. We just need to get him back as soon as possible and perform with the players we have available.
On an offer for Glen Kamara
"I always wanted to keep Glen. We get many offers for players, Glen as well. I was always clear with Glen I didn’t want to lose him. Especially as we’re playing for everything this season. I’m really happy he is here as he’s an important part of this squad."
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