Following a 2-2 draw at Feyenoord on Thursday evening, Rangers welcome Hearts to Ibrox this weekend for a Scottish Premiership clash.
There’s uncertainty surrounding the Jambos camp heading into the game, with Austin MacPhee looking likely to carry on as interim manager, as the search for a permanent successor to Craig Levein rumbles on.
For the Gers, Steven Gerrard says some players are feeling tight after their Europa League exertions, while Jermain Defoe is a doubt following a training injury.
There are no major issues, though, and there should be close to a full complement of players to choose from.
Rangers should turn to Stewart to unlock Hearts
There are likely to be a few alterations in order to freshen up the Gers XI for this one, and one player who deserves to come in is Greg Stewart.
The attacking right position has been a problem for Rangers this season, with no-one nailing down the spot. Scott Arfield has failed to hit the heights of 2018/19, while Sheyi Ojo has gone off the boil after a promising start.
Brandon Barker has also shown flashes but looked a fish out of water during his recent outing against Porto at Ibrox.
By comparison, Greg Stewart has done well when called upon. The 29-year-old has only completed 90 minutes three times this season, but on each of those occasions, he’s registered an assist [Transfermarkt].
In his first league start, against Aberdeen at Ibrox, he wreaked havoc – scoring, hitting the post and creating chances for others. A week later, against Hamilton, it was his precise pass which sent Jermain Defoe clear to open the scoring.
Stewart doesn’t possess frightening pace and isn’t the flashiest of options. Yet, when given proper opportunities rather than cameos off the bench, he’s been effective.
This Sunday, with a vulnerable Hearts in town, he’s the perfect player to come into the side.
He’ll offer fresh legs, more desire and work-rate than the likes of Ojo, and an ability to pop up between the lines and slide passes through to the striker.
A front three of Kent, Morelos and Stewart would cause MacPhee’s side major problems. The others have had their chances, now it’s time for Stevie G to show faith in another of his summer signings.
