Charlie McCann has been handed a surprise start as Giovanni van Bronckhorst makes three changes for today's Premiership clash against Dundee United.
Rangers are desperate to get back to winning ways after a run of three defeats including 4-0 losses against Celtic and Ajax. Their spirited performance on Wednesday saw them compete with Napoli at Ibrox but they found themselves on the end of another heavy defeat, as the Italians took advantage of a James Sands red card and ran out 3-0 winners.
Today they return to league action a bid to close the gap on Celtic to two points, with their rivals heading to St Mirren tomorrow.
Youngster McCann has been brought into midfield with other youth star 18-year-old Leon King given the nod ahead of James Sands. Antonio Colak returns to the fold for his first start since defeat to Ajax. Allan McGregor keeps his place between the sticks for his first taste of league football this season, with McLaughlin still injured.
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New recruits Malik Tillman, Ridvan Yilmaz and Ben Davies remain on the bench.
Van Brockhorst has called on his players to show ‘intensity and character’ after taking positives from the performance against Napoli.
Speaking to Rangers TV the Dutchman said: “Although we suffered a defeat, I think mentally the players look really strong. That’s an aspect that we need to have when we switch back to the league, with the home game we are very determined to get back to winning ways.”
Van Bronckhorst called for his team to have a fast start against a compact and defensively organised Dundee United.
Rangers XI: McGregor, Goldson, King, Barisic, Tavernier, Lundstram, McCann, Arfield, Jack, Kent, Colak
Subs: McCrorie, Ridvan, Morelos, Wright, Davies, Sakala, Tillman
Dundee United XI: Eriksson, Smith, Mulgrew, Graham, Edwards, Middleton, Behich, McGrath, Levitt, Harkes, Watt.
Subs: Newman, McMann, Niskanen, Sibbald, Meekison, Sadat, Freeman, Cudjoe, Thomson
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