The Rangers defenders have never been able to be too sure about their place in the side this season.
Outside of Connor Goldson, nobody has been consistently selected. It’s led to one of the biggest frustrations of the Steven Gerrard reign – a lack of a consistent back four.
It can’t be denied that it’s a situation that has led to Rangers shipping pointless goals. Away to Spartak Moscow was just the latest situation in which a needless change in the back-line played a key role in defeat. The Gers lost 4-3 in Russia after Joe Worrall was taken out for Nikola Katic. This is despite the fact Katic looked dreadful in his last outing against Hamilton Accies, which came five fixtures earlier.
Yes, if there’s one thing Rangers fans would love, it’s a consistent back-line. They thought they may have had it at the start of the season with Katic and Goldson. The latter is the only one whose place in the defence looks relatively secure.
But, when Worrall arrived on-loan from Nottingham Forest, he was thrust in against Villarreal and continued to play since. Katic had almost been frozen out outside of his Spartak show.
Rangers fans, however, can expect this chopping and changing to go on a lot longer yet. That’s because Gerrard still hasn’t found his best partnership and because Gareth McAuley is now at full-fitness.
The one positive
McAuley came on for the final moments of the Moscow defeat. He was mainly tasked with using his height to attack some late set-pieces. He, however, is one of the main positives from Thursday night’s loss. His addition will hopefully see him nail a place alongside Goldson to form a reliable partnership.
The selection of Jon Flanagan was another frustration for some Rangers fans. He’s proving to be a liability at left-back. Whilst Andy Halliday may not be the best defender in the world, he’s a lot more reliable than the former Liverpool man.
Just when you think certain players have lost their place, Gerrard throws them back in. Competition for places is good, but a lack of consistency is starting to harm the side.
Halliday deserves that left-back slot until Borna Barisic proves his worth once more. McAuley also deserves his chance at centre-back with such a wealth of experience behind him.
For now, however, the chopping and changing will continue. Gers fans can only hope, however, that this stops having a negative impact on results.
