Michael Beale has delivered a major injury boost ahead of Rangers' return to Premiership action on Thursday night.
The new Light Blues boss has revealed both Ben Davis AND Connor Goldson will return to training in the next couple of days and all going to plan could be options ahead of the visit of Hibs to Ibrox. It's been a tough couple of months with defensive injuries but a return for the experienced duo would come at the perfect time for the 42-year-old.
Goldson has been an ever-present ever since he walked through the door at Ibrox with his new boss hailing his 'fantastic relationship' with the defender and insisting his side are a stronger team and dressing room with his presence. Both players will not be rushed but it is very good news for the team, management and fans.
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He said: “If all goes to plan I’ll have four central defensive options as opposed to just two on Thursday, it’s just where they’ll be at physically. I’m not going to rush them because we have a busy period coming up.
“We have to remind ourselves that James is playing out of position and playing out of position really well, while young Leon has come in. If it’s those guys that we’re going with on Thursday then I have every confidence if the whole team defend like they did today. The plan for Ben and Connor is that they will return to training in the next 24-48 hours which will be hugely important for the group.
“Connor and I have a fantastic relationship and he just wants to get out and play for the team. He is ahead of schedule, but I what I won’t do is rush him. I want him to be fit for 100% of the games that he is available for the rest of the season. It’s his first long-term injury for 3-4 years. We’re definitely a stronger team and dressing room for Connor’s presence so if he is available, then great, likewise with Ben. But we certainly won’t rush him.”
On the 3-0 friendly success over Bayer Leverkusen, he added: “I was pleased with the game, and pleased with the defensive shape. We used everyone that we had who had been training with us, which was important. There were some really good parts in the game, and parts where we need to tighten up.
“We have to be realistic about where Bayer Leverkusen are as well – they weren’t going full tilt – but there was still enough to be pleased with. We just need to make sure that the set play where they have a big chance in the first half, we don’t go 1-0 down in that moment because if you’re going for three points that makes a big difference. In general, I’m really pleased, and glad that it’s out of the way because I just want to get started on Thursday.”
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