Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has ruled Northern Irish midfielder Steven Davis out of the return leg with Progres Niederkorn, and in the process highlighted how big a player he will be this season.
The Liverpool legend was speaking to the press as Rangers return to Luxembourg looking to avenge the Europa League defeat there two seasons ago.
Despite the hunger to lay down a marker as the Stade Josey Barthel Stadium, Davis won’t be risked as he central for the season ahead.
“We have come over here with a fully-fit squad besides Steven Davis and everyone is focused and tuned-in to finish the job off tonight,” Gerrard told the press.
“(Steven) had a tight hamstring after the Derby game. I think, at a real, big push he could have been with us, but at this stage of the season and since he’s such an important player, it’s not worth taking a risk.
“I think he’ll have a good chance (of facing Kilmarnock on Sunday).”
Gerrard’s comments highlight just how big a role Steven Davis will play at Ibrox this season. The Gers boss clearly sees him as an essential part of the side.
Davis struggled to get up to speed in the second half of last season after rejoining Rangers from Southampton.
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But the Northern Irish captain began to show his class in the final furlong of the season and hinted then just how important he’ll be going into this campaign.
All Steven Gerrard’s comments do is reiterate what fans began to see last season.
If Rangers are to be successful, Steven Davis will be a huge part of it.
