Ibrox hero Mark Hateley says bullish Fashion Sakala must start the Viaplay Cup final against Celtic.
That is because the Zambian has a history of playing well for Rangers against their bitter rivals, and that his pace will be key to Michael Beale's bid to bring home the League Cup for the first time since 2011. Standing in their way are rampant rivals Ange Postecoglou and Co who are the holders of the trophy - a side Sakala branded 'the other mob' this week.
The grinning winger was key to Rangers getting back in to January's 2-2 draw with the Hoops and forced the winner in lasts season's Scottish Cup semi-final win under former boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Meanwhile Hateley believes the future of Alfredo Morelos is less clear and insists if the Colombian is pushing for a move, he must perform on the biggest stage at Hampden.
He told Bettingsites.co.uk: “I would play Fashion Sakala. He has hurt Celtic and caused them problems in three of the last four meetings. He set up the two Rangers goals in the 2-2 draw in January, he scored at Parkhead last May and it was his persistence that gave Rangers the winner in last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final.
“He plays at such a pace. Everything he does is quick, he is direct and he is a handful. I think there is even more to come from Fashion because he needs a little more composure in front of goal and he needs to mix his game a little bit.
“All defenders are worried about facing guys with pace. He will try to get in behind and defenders hate to be turned and having to run back to their own goal."
He added: “Alfredo Morelos has to play up front for Rangers. He brings a lot to the game outside of the box – a lot more than Colak – and he has the experience of this fixture.
“Morelos has also shown he can play against good defenders in good teams. He has the equipment to deal with it. I would like to see him pin defenders a bit more and get them half-turned.
“The other aspect is that Morelos is out of contract this summer so if he is leaving and wants to find a good club, this is the stage he must perform on."
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