There was no sign of Ridvan Yilmaz as Rangers overcame Greenock Morton despite Michael Beale predicting a League Cup return for the Young Turk.
The Turkish international left-back, 22, has not been seen so far this season after sustaining an injury in pre-season with much conjecture regarding the position heading into the season.
Pressed on the situation involving Ridvan Yilmaz earlier in August, Michael Beale claimed that the former Besiktas star was set to return against Greenock Morton.
The Rangers boss had claimed the left-back would be involved against the Cappielow side “all going well”.
However, as Rangers ran out 2-1 winners at Ibrox young full-back Johnly Yfeko was handed a starting debut with Yilmaz nowhere to be seen in the match day squad.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
It suggests that there has been a setback in Yilmaz’s recovery and Rangers fans will wait to hear from Michael Beale again with regards the player’s situation.
Ridvan Yilmaz Morton prediction falls short
Heading into the new season, there was much debate regarding the Ibrox side’s left-back berth with Ridvan Yilmaz now one year on from joining the club from Super Lig side Besiktas.
Rangers have reportedly paid an initial £3.4m to sigh the highly-rated left-back, with the fee set to rise to £5m in line with a series of achievable bonuses.
When Rangers spend that sort of money, the club’s supporters expect a return almost immediately but given Ridvan Yilmaz’s age, and recent run of injuries, there has been a rare patience afforded the defender.
But that patience has done little to dampen interest in what is actually happening with Ridvan Yilmaz and the various glimpses fans have had of the player has convinced some of his talent.
There have been major shouts to make Ridvan Yilmaz the number one left-back at Rangers but as Michael Beale’s prediction falls short v Morton, they will have to wait to be pacified.
In the meantime, Croatian international full-back Borna Barisic has made the berth his own once again and now appears to be the club’s first choice.
Now in the final year of his Ibrox contract, the 30-year-old has been a consistent performer for Rangers this season and will take some budging as things stand.