Not many are giving Rangers a lot of hope going into this week’s Europa League tie against Fenerbahce.
Despite strong performances in Europe this season betraying the domestic form, Gers are expected to be up against it out in Istanbul on Thursday.
The Yellow Canaries are in the midst of a title fight with rivals Galatasaray and are managed by Jose Mourinho, so will be a tough nut to crack.
Then there is the current struggles at Ibrox after defeat to the Motherwell days after a poor first half at Kilmarnock, albeit there was a recovery on that occasion.
Interim boss Barry Ferguson insists he still has a plan for Rangers as he looks to bring about huge improvements between now and the end of the season.
But the team are currently delivering the opposite of what Fergie promised when taking the job and an away win over Fener will be a tall order.
Naismith gives Rangers hope but there is one red flag
Former Light Blues striker Steven Naismith is giving the team hope out in Turkey, based on what they have shown so far in the Europa League.
He points out that it suits them to come up against a team who they’re not heavy favourites to go and dominate, when the onus isn’t on them to be on the attack all the time.
But he has worries about the defence with James Tavernier having played as an emergency centre back recently.
Naismith told BBC Sportscene: “I think they’ve got hope because of their performances in Europe. They’ve kept their best performances for when they’ve not had to break teams down or go very aggressive in possession. I think that suits them.
“The big concern though is at the back. I think we’ve seen it in the last two games, I think the quicker John Souttar gets back the better. That helps them.
“He (Barry Ferguson) has had to get creative and put Tavernier as a centre half. That’s the area that’s going to be a real red flag going into this game.”
Ferguson declared Souttar ready to Fenerbahce
However, Ferguson insists Souttar is fit and available for selection for the first leg. Whether or not he’s ready to start remains to be seen, though.
“We’ve got to work with what’s here,” the interim boss said in his post-Motherwell press conference. “Physicality is one thing I do like. It’s something we’ve been lacking.
“Souttar will be available for Thursday.
“Going forward, you will probably see a difference [with Souttar back in the team]. We need a different type of player at times.”
