Rangers final game of the pre-season programme has arrived as Philippe Clement takes side across to Germany to face Union Berlin.
The manager has been far from happy with what he has seen so far but will be looking to use as close to his first-choice squad as possible in the build up to as tough an opening day fixture as he could have got in Hearts away from home.
It’s been an eventful summer and one that is only just kicking into full gear with this trip almost getting in the way of adding new players.
Union Berlin v Rangers team news confirmed
After the dismal mid-week trip to Birmingham, Clement has rung the changes in a team that could be similar to the one that kicks off the proper football next week – this is your confirmed Rangers XI.
Jack Butland was spotted with tubi-grip around his knee on the flight across but is fit to play and the defence now seems to be decided upon by the Gers boss.
Ridvan Yilmaz was one of only a few who emerged from the last friendly with any credit with Dujon Sterling looking considerably more comfortable than James Tavernier at right-back recently too, however, because he started in mid-week Jefte comes in.
The skipper has a hard job on his hand to get his place back, but his last 45-minutes only made it an easier job for the manager not to pick him, Sterling being injured saving the manager from a difficult decision.
Ben Davies and John Souttar are Clement’s preferred centre-half pair and, until anyone new is signed to replace Connor Goldson, not much will change.
The manager spoke about the problem at number 10 given Ianis Hagi’s likely departure and Todd Cantwell’s transfer request.
Moving Mohamed Diomande higher up has to be a consideration if he wants to fit Tavernier and Sterling into the team together but Tom Lawrence continues at 10.
Connor Barron being the obvious choice in the engine room given how quickly he has settled into life at Rangers.
Rangers attack starting to take shape
The forward line is a work in progress.
Danilo started in mid-week but has travelled to Germany, however, Cyriel Dessers starts amid continued speculation over his future.
Oscar Cortes will now be looking to start making a more telling contribution as he gets more minutes in his legs and Vaclav Cerny will become first choice on the right wing once he is up to speed.
For now though, Scott Wright gets that honour and, he deserves it.
He has been one of a handful of players who looks like they are listening to Clement’s instructions to be aggressive and direct.
It is clear where Rangers still need to strengthen, but until they do, this is the best that is available.
