Rangers boss Michael Beale has suggested that “clearly talented” midfielder Jose Cifuentes is to start v Real Betis in the Europa League.
The Ibrox side are heading into the clash with the La Liga outfit without influential Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin.
The ex-Standard Liege star is out until after the October international break and joins both Todd Cantwell and Danilo on a frustrating injury list.
But speaking ahead of the game Michael Beale suggested that summer Rangers singing Jose Cifuentes is fit and raring to go against Real Betis after missing out on the weekend.
This comes with the Ecuadorean international arriving back to the Rangers Training Centre late in the week due to his World Cup Qualifying commitments in South America.
“The reason (Jose) Cifuentes never played at the weekend was because he didn’t arrive back until the Friday morning from South America and had played at altitude,” Michael Beale explained.
“So he’s ready to go. (The situation with Nicolas Raskin) doesn’t change in terms of us having options in midfield.
“Obviously Nico’s been playing and was probably one of our stronger performers at the weekend.
“So in that sense we’re losing a good but we’ve got a good one coming in.”
Michael Beale wants Jose Cifuentes to show talent
When asked about the impact Jose Cifuentes has had so far at Rangers, Michael Beale explained that he’s been unlucky in terms of adding numbers.
But once again reiterating that the bedding in period is now over, Beale expects the 24-year-old to start showing his World Cup quality from here on in.
”I think (Jose Cifuentes) came in very late,” Michael Beale said.
“I think in his first couple of games he did some really good things; a fantastic cross against Servette which should’ve been an assist, he had one also against Livingston where the defender made a fantastic block against Cyriel Dessers.
“So he’s been unfortunate in that and then he’s been away on international duty, so this is his moment.
“He’s been here for a while now. I said it recently that the new players have been here long enough now.
“He was the last one to come in but I still think he’s ready to go.”
Jose Cifuentes “clearly a talented player”
Finally, Michael Beale was asked about Jose Cifuentes adapting to Scottish football.
Swatting away any suggestion that the Ecuadorean is struggling to settle, the Rangers midfielder is expected to start showing his best as Real Betis roll into town for the Europa League opener.
“(Jose Cifuentes) played against Argentina last week with his national team,” said Beale.
“He’s played in a World Cup, so he’s an experienced player.
“I think the domestic games are a little bit more different than the European games for him, so let’s see.
“I think he’s clearly a talented player and the more he plays for us I’m sure everybody will be more aware of that.
“But he’s a player that we brought in with high hopes for and this gives him an opportunity to have a run in the team now.”
Rangers and Michael Beale initially signed Jose Cifuentes on a pre-contract deal before agreeing a fee in the region of £750k with LAFC to make the move permanent in the summer.
