Rangers star Kieran Dowell scored for the B team but couldn’t prevent them crashing out of the SPFL Trust Trophy as he stepped up his return from injury.
The Ibrox summer signing, 26, has been struggling with the problem ever since the first leg 2-2 Champions League playoff draw against PSV Eindhoven.
Returning to the first team during last week’s 5-0 demolition of Dundee, Kieran Dowell was snapped stepping up his injury recovery in the Rangers B clash with Airdrieonians.
However, Kieran Dowell was powerless to resist as the young bears crashed out of the tournament after following to a 4-2 defeat against the Scottish Championship side.
Rangers took the lead in the match through Josh Gentles before Airdrie – led by ex-Ibrox midfielder and player/manager Rhys McCabe – flipped the script before half time.
Eventually going 3-1 in front, Kieran Dowell stepped up his injury return with a goal for the B side, with Cole McKinnon hitting the bar to prevent an equaliser.
Rhys McCabe curled in a free kick to complete the scoring and send Rangers B out of the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Kieran Dowell steps up Rangers injury return
Kieran Dowell played 75 minutes on the night and the appearance will be a welcome boost as he returns from injury.
Rangers cannot use the midfielder for this week’s Europa League clash against Sparta Prague due to the fact the ex-Norwich City star is not in the squad.
Former Rangers manager Michael Beale made the tough call to leave both Kieran Dowell and Ridvan Yilmaz out of the squad due to a mixture of homegrown and injury issues.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has been lamenting the situation with yet another first-team star set to miss the clash in Glasgow.
It means Rangers could without up to eight first-team stars for the game and let’s hope we see Kieran Dowell back scoring for the top team soon as he returns from injury.
The midfielder has made seven appearances for Rangers, with Dowell’s solitary goal coming in the 4-0 win over Livingston at the start of the season.
