Michael Beale doesn’t have his troubles to seek in terms of creative options for Rangers but the long-term injury of Rabbi Matondo could create an opportunity.
The Gers boss can’t go into the transfer market to sign anyone but he does have other options available.
Rangers need to start scoring more goals and with Rabbi Matondo out of action there is a chance for one of the academy prospects to step up to the senior squad.
Do Rangers have Rabbi Matondo option in the academy?
The first question that has to be considered is whether or not one of the youngsters would contribute more than Scott Wright or do they have the potential to in the future?
The B team and academy players have to see a pathway and Bailey Rice coming off the bench in a tight game will have sent a wave of encouragement through Auchenhowie.
Who are the options that Michael Beale could turn to?
Ross McCausland continued his fine start to the season by scoring a screamer against Alloa in the Challenge Cup and the Northern Ireland youth international is a natural right-winger.
Giving him a chance in a strong team would show if he is capable of making the step up, his finish at Cappielow suggests that he is.
Zak Lovelace is another obvious example and, despite being a more natural striker, the 17-year old can play on either flank.
He is still raw but would be an exciting name in the starting XI having been on the bench against Motherwell.
Aaron Lyall is the other who could be considered.
He maybe isn’t as flashy as Lovelace or as hotly tipped as Rice but he has been a consistent performer for the B team, that in itself should see youngsters given a chance.
A key component of a successful player trading model is seeing playing progress through the academy to the first team and there can be no excuses when injuries free up spaces.
If moments like McCausland’s aren’t enough for Michael Beale to consider a place in Rangers first-team squad to cover the injury to Rabbi Matondo and others then I don’t know what is.
