Rangers are going to be put to the test defensively on Europa League duty against Fernerbahce.
And the evidence of recent games is worrying heading into the first leg clash in Turkey.
Against Kilmarnock, Clinton Nsiala and Robin Propper had a torrid time at centre half and Nsiala was hooked before Gers launched a brilliant comeback.
Propper kept his place for Motherwell but was himself hauled off and Kris Boyd insists the Dutchman has been “miles off it.”
Steven Naismith identified the defence as a “red flag” for the Fenerbahce game, although he does have hope for a result given the European performances this season.
Boyd insists Propper should be dropped and that Rangers have to go with John Souttar and Leon Balogun as his centre-back pairing with both back from injury.
Hutton says Rangers must pick Dujon Sterling, Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz
Now, Alan Hutton has given his own take on the defensive selection issues facing the interim boss.
He insists that, if fit enough to start, Dujon Sterling and Balogun should be in the XI. While he wants to see Ridvan Yilmaz back in his usual position of left-back as he doesn’t think Jefte can be trusted.
And the former Ibrox full-back would have concerns over Souttar’s readiness.
He told Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club: “Sterling has to play. Balogun has to play. I think Yilmaz has to play at left-back because I Jefte defensively gets left wanting too many times. That would be a huge risk if he was to play.
“If Balogun is fit he has to play. I know Souttar was back in training but I am not sure if he would be ready or not but if he is, he plays.
“The only thing with him (Sterling) starting is that you can’t switch it on like a light.
“He’s been out for a number of weeks so I think to throw him into a situation like away to Fenerbahce would be a huge ask. If he was 100 per cent fit and had been training but (at 60-70 per cent) I just think it’s a big risk.”
‘Monumental’ decision facing Barry Ferguson
Michael Stewart reckons this team selection facing Ferguson is a “monumental” one, and not just for the outcome of the game.
He added: This is a monumental team selection he (Ferguson) has got because any potential managerial career that Barry Ferguson is wanting hinges on what happens over these next few months and this game, there is NO bigger game. It’s the season for (Rangers) so it’s a tough decision to make.
“Barry Ferguson has got monumental decisions to make, with this defence in particular. If he picks some of these guys who are not 100 per cent fit, he needs a bit of luck for them to get through the game.
“I would tend to probably go with that but my fear for Barry Ferguson would be, if he does that just imagine one or two of them go down inside the first half an hour. These are all the things you have got to weigh up and that’s why for me, I would be going with the better players and defenders and run the risk that they might break down.”
