Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson is backing Tom Lawrence to start at Aberdeen this weekend with Sam Lammers too ‘timid’ to thrive in high-pressure circumstances at Pittodrie.
South of the border, much has been made of the difficult task facing Manchester United this weekend, Erik ten Hag’s side venturing into the lions’ den and taking on a fired-up Everton side bareing their teeth and ready to take on the world after their ten-point deduction.
With Aberdeen reeling from that 6-0 hammering by Celtic last time out, Rangers too are facing up to a Sunday afternoon trip to a team with a point to prove, at a stadium baying for blood.
And, speaking on the Open Goal podcast, Derek Ferguson fears that Sam Lammers will shrink under the same pressure that could, in contrast, forge a diamond in Tom Lawrence.
Rangers face Aberdeen test
“I wouldn’t think so, it’s no place for the timid,” Ferguson responds when asked if Philippe Clement should hand Lammers a start at Aberdeen.
“You need a bit of bravery. I’m not saying (in terms of) battling but being brave on the ball, because they are going to put you under pressure. I keep waiting on Lammers. And I keep saying, until he puts a run of games together, up until now he’s been average.”
Ferguson has no such concerns over Lawrence, the Welshman bouncing back from injury with an assist against Livingston before the November international break.
“(Lawrence) is a good player,” Ferguson adds. “He sees a pass, sometimes he dribbles and he can get past two or three (defenders). And he likes a wee crack (at goal) too.”
One-time Manchester United youngster Lawrence has as many assists (two) from just seven appearances this season as Lammers has from 23, the oft-maligned Dutchman struggling to justify his £3 million price-tag.
Cyriel Dessers loves playing with Tom Lawrence
Lawrence could also be the key to unlocking the enigma that is Cyriel Dessers, one of the Welshman’s trademark through balls setting up the one-time Eredivisie Golden Boot winner at Livingston.
“Tom’s passes are his main quality and that is something that suits me very well,” Dessers explains.
“I am strongest with my face towards the goal. And, if I can make these runs and he can find the passes, it is good for me. I am very happy that he has the assist and I had the goal.”
