Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Ibrox pair James Sands and Ryan Kent will return to the squad ahead of the Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.
Both USA international Sands and former Liverpool winger Kent missed the weekend’s 4-0 win over St Johnstone after starting the triumphant 3-0 turnaround against Union St Gilloise.
The news comes as a major boost to Rangers ahead of what promises to be a tough clash against the Dutch club as Ruud van Nistelrooy and his PSV charges are welcomed to Glasgow.
“We have everyone available for tomorrow and look forward to the challenge we face,” said van Bronckhorst [Rangers].
“James Sands and Ryan Kent will return to the squad.”
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We’re assuming that long-term absentees Filip Helander and Kemar Roofe are not included on the list of “everyone”.
Rangers predicted XI for PSV Champions League clash
With this in mind, here’s our predicted XI for the clash with PSV Eindhoven as Rangers look to make the Champions League group stages for the first time since 2010.
We expect Jon McLaughlin to continue in goal for Rangers, the Scotland international keeper first choice ahead of Allan McGregor so far this season.
James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, the returning James Sands and Croatian international Borna Barisic make up our back four at Ibrox.
Midfield will be an important area of the pitch and Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst will need to get this right in Glasgow.
John Lundstram is a nailed on starter, whilst we’re backing Tom Lawrence and Scott Arfield to get nod to start in this crunch match.
Across the front three, we expect Ryan Kent to start out left, Antonio Colak to start up top and Malik Tillman to play off the right but routinely drift into the middle as he did against USG.
GK – Jon McLaughlin
DR – James Tavernier, DC – Connor Goldson, DC – James Sands, DL – Borna Barisic
CDM/CM – John Lundstram, CM – Scott Arfield, CM/CAM – Tom Lawrence
RF – Malik Tillman, ST – Antonio Colak, LF – Ryan Kent
With a reported £40m on the line for victor over the two legs, Rangers will be hoping they can take a lead over PSV to the Netherlands in their hunt for Champions League qualification.
One PSV Eindhoven star is also set to visit Ibrox a few years on from claiming that he turned down the chance to sign on at Rangers.