Rangers’ right-back situation is one that needs sorting out in January.
This has nothing to do with James Tavernier out of the bat. The Rangers captain has had a sensational campaign so far and continues to excel down that right-side. His place in the side is secure as he looks to lead the Gers to silverware this season.
But outside of him, who is really recognised enough to put in a shift at right-back?
The obvious one is Jon Flanagan, and nobody can deny he has the credentials. That’s the position he operated in at Liverpool, and even though he’s recently played down the left, he could easily do a job on the other flank.
Flanagan the left-back?
But as it stands, Flanagan is the alternative cover at left-back. Whenever Borna Barisic is injured, it’s Flanagan who comes in as the deputy. He’s becoming a key cog in the side, and at the moment it’s even his jersey to lose down the left.
Again, that leaves Rangers struggling for cover down the right-side. As quality a player as Tavernier is, he’s going to suffer an injury or two this season. With so many games to come this season, he can’t play in every single one.
Gerrard has to go out in January and find himself some decent cover for the Rangers captain. Connor Goldson, Joe Worrall, and Nikola Katic have no pedigree at right-back. Given how Gerrard likes his side to have attacking full-backs, neither of the centre-backs would be able to deputise there.
The big question, therefore, is who could Rangers bring in to help Tavernier with his responsibility? Kilmarnock’s Stephen O’Donnell would certainly be a shout. The Killie right-back is Scotland’s number one right-back, and is constantly improving.
Gerrard could also dip back into his Liverpool contacts to see what young talent is available to cover down there. Callum Patterson of Cardiff could be another shout, although he’s more recently been playing as a midfielder. Still, the former Hearts man was a solid right-back and could be decent cover.