Rangers take on St Joseph’s tomorrow night (Thursday) in the second leg of their Europa League first-round qualifying tie.
Ahead of the game, Steven Gerrard has hinted at multiple changes to his lineup.
“I don’t want to give my team away but we will look different,” the manager told Rangers.co.uk. “One thing is guaranteed, we will be at it, we will be up for it and I think we have to forget the scoreline in this situation and just go and play this game in isolation.”
We’ve already explored the possibility that an exciting teenager could be included.
However, he might not be the only one turning out in a competitive Gers fixture for the first time.
Jake Hastie Rangers debut on the cards?
Jake Hastie signed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers at the back end of last season and became a Ger at the expiration of his Motherwell deal.
He’s been involved throughout pre-season so far and made his Ibrox bow in the recent 5-0 win over Oxford United.
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However, while he was included in the extended Europa League squad, he didn’t make the bench in Gibraltar last week.
Sheyi Ojo played the 90 minutes and impressed, scoring the second goal on the hour mark. The Liverpool loanee also played a half against Marseille at the weekend, so he could drop out of the side tomorrow night.
The other obvious option on the right flank is Daniel Candeias. Yet, he was omitted from the Gers’ initial European squad list and is ineligible.
Therefore, the stage could be set for Hastie’s competitive debut.
There are always demands when playing in front of a packed Ibrox. However, considering the Gers have a four-goal advantage over St Joseph’s, as things go, this should be a relatively friendly introduction for Hastie.
If he’s given the nod, let’s hope he cuts loose and shows off why the club were so keen to snap him up.
