Rangers midfielder John Lundstram should be back in time for the upcoming clash with Celtic, allowing him the perfect chance to catch a pre-League Cup Final breather.
The Gers are set to face off with their eternal Old Firm rivals for the first silverware of the season on the 26th of February with the Ibrox side’s eyes firmly on the prize.
Rangers haven’t won the tournament since 2011 and if Michael Beale can add it early on in his Rangers management career it’s another monkey off the club’s back and lays down a marker to Celtic.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s eventual 3-2 win over Partick Thistle, Rangers manager Beale confirmed that John Lundstram is in the running to return against Celtic at Hampden, if not before then.
“John Lundstram won’t be available this weekend and should hopefully be back for the Livingston game,” said Michael Beale [Rangers].
“He took a sore one on his ankle. He will definitely be back for the final at the end of the month.”
So whilst we could see John Lundstram for the trip to Livingston, given the Lions’ much-criticised plastic surface we suspect Rangers would rather wrap the influential midfielder up in cotton wool for the League Cup Final clash with Celtic.
And that’s not exactly a bad thing.
John Lundstram returns in time for Celtic League Cup Final
Rangers fans have had their grumbles with Big John this season and there have been times when the ex-Sheffield United midfielder hasn’t lived up to his “best on Earth” title.
But on his day, when Lundstram displays that perfect blend of leadership, athleticism and progressive football, then there is no-one better in the squad in his dominant midfield role.
Rangers fans saw glimpses of the John Lundstram who performed at such a high-level in the second half of last season in the 3-0 win over Hearts.
It is no coincidence that on the day that the team found their level at Tynecastle so did John Lundstram, whose aggressive midfield pressing, recovery of the ball and progressive passing served as the ticking heartbeat of a superb performance.
If Rangers get that John Lundstram against Celtic then the Parkhead side’s midfield will struggle to cope and perhaps this pre-match breather is the perfect way to ensure the midfielder is on his game next weekend.
Meanwhile, Malik Tillman is emerging as the main man at Ibrox.