Rangers manager Steven Gerrard offered a cryptic response on Tuesday when asked about the club’s penalty strategy, as captured by RangersTV.
The Gers have struggled from 12 yards this season, using a number of different takers already.
James Tavernier carried the duties over from last season but was stripped of responsibility after missing three of his five during the first half of the campaign.
Alfredo Morelos then took over, having already scored one penalty in Tavernier’s absence against St Joseph’s earlier in the season.
However, he missed a high-profile spot-kick in the League Cup final against Celtic in December and was subsequently stripped of duties.
Jermain Defoe converted when a much-changed team took on Stranraer in the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup, but Scott Arfield saw his first attempt saved during Saturday’s Fifth Round clash at Hamilton.
Now, it sounds as though another change is in the offing.
“I have actually,” said a laughing Gerrard, as captured by RangersTV, when asked if he’d come up with a strategy. “This fella [Ryan Kent] has tried to join the queue, but he’s got no chance!”
“We’ll find a solution.”
When asked if that meant Arfield would be taken off duties, he added: “We’ll see – we’ve got to get a penalty first.”
Verdict
The Gers’ shortcomings from 12 yards have been somewhat farcical this season, but Gerrard is seeing the funny side of it.
Morelos’ miss was extremely costly, but thankfully for the Gers boss, none of the other misses have led to dropped points or competition exits.
It looks as though if his side wins a penalty at Killie, we could see a fifth different taker of the season.
Based on his response here, Ryan Kent isn’t in the running. Therefore, potential options include regular free-kick taker Borna Barisic (although the Croatian is doubtful for the midweek clash), newcomer Ianis Hagi and midfielder, Steven Davis.
While it was laughed off here, this is a genuine issue and Gerrard will be hoping that whoever steps up next, justifies the faith shown in them.
