Rangers centre-back George Edmundson is set for a rare Ibrox start against Stranraer, after an admission from Steven Gerrard, as quoted by the Official Rangers Twitter.
The Gers are taking on the League One opposition in Govan on Friday night in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round, and the manager will mix things up to keep key men fresh for the return to Premiership action.
Edmundson is set to benefit from the rotation to earn just his fourth start for the club since joining from Oldham Athletic in the summer.
“I feel like I have been patient and waiting for a game like this,” he said, as quoted by the Official Rangers Twitter. “Katic has been class and I know my position I stand-in. I have to be patient and wait for my chance.”
“Nikola is someone I look up to and his journey is something I can learn a lot from.”
For the avoidance of all doubt, the manager made it clear that the Englishman would play.
Verdict
When he is named in the starting XI, it’ll be Edmundson’s first inclusion in three months.
It must have been tough for the young man in recent times, but we’re yet to hear any rumblings of discontent, despite his position as the fourth-choice senior centre-back.
His lack of game time will have taken a bit of getting used to, especially as he made a whopping 54 appearances for Oldham during the 2018/19 season.
He had only good things to say about fellow centre-back Nikola Katic, and it seems likely the two will pair up against Stranraer.
There’s simply no need to involve Connor Goldson in this tie given his heavy workload during the first half of the season. Of the 37 games before the winter break, the vice-captain played the full 90 minutes in 36.
