Philippe Clement is in the position where he can rotate the Rangers forward line even if he doesn’t quite have the same luxury elsewhere.
The Light Blues squad still has a few issues in defence with the manager having to patch up a defence that hasn’t always looked like the most resolute.
One player who has been missed is James Tavernier with Ridvan Yilmaz operating as a make-shift right-back for Rangers in recent weeks.
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James Tavernier in timely return for Rangers
The skipper hasn’t had his best season in his nine years at Ibrox, however, the 33-year old has still chipped in with six goal contributions in 17 appearances – a sold return for a defender if not his usual sort of level.
With Aberdeen the visitors, Clement has decided to keep his captain on the bench with the hope being that he can get minutes over the next couple of games before a trip to Old Trafford.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, the Rangers boss was non-committal on whether or not his captain would be back in the team:
“We had two players back in training with Tav and Leon Balogun,” said Clement.
”So, we’re going to look tomorrow how we are if they had a reaction or not, and if they are able to be in the selection or not.
”So, it’s a positive to get players back now.
”Of course they didn’t train much or anything but it’s a positive that they are back.”
Have Rangers managed to replace Tavernier?
What Rangers have found this season without Connor Goldson and James Tavernier, is that the recruitment team needs to find long-term replacements who are resilient and robust.
Dujon Sterling is a talented player, however, there are major doubts about his ability to stay fit enough to be considered as the first choice right-back in the future.
The same applies to John Souttar who, despite playing consistently over the last two seasons, has missed almost as many games as he has played in his 20s.
Tavernier might not be capable of what he once was, but he remains a key player and finding someone to fill his boots isn’t going to be easy.
An untimely injury just as he was finding his best form was hugely frustrating.
That seeing his name back in the squad is a welcome sight, tells it’s own story.
