After the euphoria of the pre-winter break Old Firm victory at Parkhead, the defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday has dampened spirits for many Rangers fans.
Of course, the league isn’t lost just because of one poor performance in January.
However, the initiative has been handed back to Celtic and the timidness of the display in Edinburgh has left a bitter taste in the mouth.
There’s a chance to get back on track against Ross County at Ibrox tonight, and you would fully expect Gerrard and co to take it.
While James Tavernier is still some way away from a return, Alfredo Morelos has completed his suspension, and it’s hoped he will come through an injury concern [Daily Record] to start the game.
The Colombian striker’s return should provide a lift, but in Jake Hastie, Gerrard has another new option at his disposal.
The speedy winger was recalled from Rotherham United earlier in the week to a mixed reception from Bears, after falling out of favour at the EFL League One club.
He’s returning with a point to prove and in the absence of any actual January signings, he should be brought in to freshen up tonight’s matchday squad.
Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo are likely to keep their places in support of the main striker. However, there’s no reason that Hastie shouldn’t leapfrog one or more of the regular Gers substitutes.
Since he left the club for Rotherham in early September, Sheyi Ojo, Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones have mustered just two goals between them. Jones missed a prolonged period through injury, but the other two wingers have little in the way of excuses.
Hastie may have only managed three strikes and a solitary assist whilst in England, but at least he has some sort of Premiership pedigree, having netted six times in a matter of months for Motherwell last season, leading to a PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year nomination.
The others, perhaps with the exception of Jones, have had their chances, and now it’s time to see if Hastie can do any better.
Theoretically, tonight should be a straightforward assignment.
Yet, if it’s tight with 20 minutes to go, fans would surely rather see the pacey and direct Hastie summoned for a Gers Premiership debut than be subjected to the same old Ojo cameo.
