Rangers face Livingston for a place in the league cup semi-final, a must win game but one that could see Bailey Rice involved again.
If Michael Beale is happy to throw him on against Motherwell with his team under pressure, a home cup tie shouldn’t hold any fears.
Every game for Rangers is must win, however, Bailey Rice has to be tested if the manager is to find out whether or not he can trust him.
Rangers B team hint that Bailey Rice could feature v Livingston
Speaking after the 1-0 win over Real Betis, the Gers boss dropped the 16-year old’s name into a list of possible options to cover in midfield given the recent injury issues.
“We’ve got Ryan Jack and I’m telling you that we have a heck of a player in Bailey Rice.
“He’s not 17 until the end of next month but when I introduce him to this madhouse and protecting him is important.
“But I’m telling you, he’s ready.”
Rangers B team were playing Alloa in the Challenge Cup and Bailey Rice would have been expecting to play given the programme that the senior academy players are undertaking.
His absence from the team sheet suggests that Beale has bigger plans and that a role against Livingston could be a possibility.
What Rangers playing Bailey Rice would do is allow Jose Cifuentes to push forward into a more natural attacking midfield position.
Rice, alongside John Lundstram or Ryan Jack would provide protection for the full-backs and a platform to build attacks from.
In too many games, Rangers have been playing with square pegs in round holes and, given the players that are missing, it is a great opportunity for Beale to be brave.
