The return of Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence has seen Michael Beale add two quality senior players to his Rangers squad.
Plagued with injury problems last year, there is no doubt that the pair would have made a difference had they been available.
When Tom Lawrence sat near the half-way line looking forlorn, the 50,000 Rangers fans in the Ibrox stands and those watching on TV instantly feared the worst, however, Michael Beale in his post-match interview via Rangers TV is hopeful.
After almost a year out of action, the Wales international is looking to get his match fitness back.
A slow start against Real Betis saw him grow into the game and was starting to dictate play when he had to go off injured.
A trademark long-range Tom Lawrence effort that scudded off the post nearly opened the scoring for Rangers but it was an indication that he isn’t far away.
Tom Lawrence injury update as Rangers play waiting game
Speaking after the game, Beale gave an update on the 29-year old’s condition:
“He wanted to continue so I’m hoping that it’s just cramp.
“The games are coming thick and fast now.
“Sam Lammers came on and made a good impact so we will wait and see.
“I’ll give you an update before the weekend.”
But for injuries to Todd Cantwell, Nico Raskin and Kieran Dowell, Tom Lawrence probably wouldn’t have started for Rangers against Betis.
With a lack of competitive games he will be rusty and prone to soft tissue injuries but the fact that he felt capable of playing on suggests that Beale could be right.
A solo run in the first half nearly saw him beat four players and create a 1v1 opportunity for himself and that sort of running power plus shooting threat from distance has been missing.
If he isn’t 100%, a place on the bench should be all that Tom Lawrence is required for as Rangers look to continue a decent start after the international break against Motherwell.
Every game is important but the risk of playing him just isn’t worth the reward.
