Allan McGregor could find himself in the unusual position of being given a run-out against League One opposition in the week of a huge Old Firm game. For so many years, the veteran shot-stopper kept the bench warm on nights like this to save himself for the big one. But Giovanni van Bronckhorst is likely to hand the 40-year-old his first appearance of the season between the sticks as Jon McLaughlin is spared the last-16 Premier Sports clash ahead of Saturday’s massive showdown against Celtic.
Alternatively, the Dutchman might opt for Robby McCrorie for the Doonhamers clash. Certainly, the big guns will almost certainly sit this one out although as always in these situations it’s about getting the balance right and ensuring they are safely into the hat for Wednesday’s quarter final draw.
Ridvan Yilmaz has yet to complete 90 minutes in a Rangers shirt since his move from Besiktas - coming on as a substitute against Union Saint-Gilliose and taken off against Kilmarnock in the league - so this could be an opportunity for the Turkish international to get much-needed game time.
In the other full back position, with Mateusz Zukowski on the brink of a return to Poland with Lech Poznan then young Adam Devine should be given the nod at right back to give James Tavernier a well-earned rest. Leon King can also feature in the back four, potentially alongside Connor Goldson who could be one of the few regulars to retain his spot. Other youngsters Charlie McCann and Robbie Ure are also in with a shout of minutes.
It should be a routine night for Rangers against Willie Gibson’s side who lost 3-1 to Falkirk at the weekend but Van Bronckhorst still has decisions to make over how to line up with that Hoops clash looming. Below, Record Sport looks at a possible starting XI.
Predicted XI: McGregor; Devine, King, Goldson, Yilmaz; McCann, Lawrence, Arfield; Matondo, Sakala, Kent.
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