Rangers’ Scottish Cup disappointment might not be over yet as the club’s supporters nervously await the outcome of an injury to Filip Helander ahead of the weekend’s Old Firm.
The Swedish international was subbed off with nine minutes to go after he took a knock in extra time of the eventual penalty shoot-out defeat to the Perthshire Saints.
Helander, 28, had been chasing Michael O’Halloran as he hared down in goal before Allan McGregor rushed out to save and the big Swede awkwardly hurdled the keeper.
The defender appeared to have a damaged thigh and was given treatment from the Rangers physios before being hooked.
The situation has been compounded by an injury to third choice centre back Leon Balogun who missed the clash completely with a calf/Achilles injury [Glasgow Times].
Should Helander fail to recover in time – something we’ll surely find out at the upcoming press conference for the clash with Celtic – then an under-fire 4th choice could be set for an Old Firm baptism of fire.
Jack Simpson might be 24, but he certainly looks very raw and has not exactly set the heather alight since joining from Bournemouth in January.
Connor Goldson is the club’s first choice centre half and under him Helander and Balogun have been largely immovable.
But no matter how harsh it is, you only get one chance to make a first impression and Rangers fans remain sceptical about Simpson after a nervous start to his Ibrox career.
Against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership clash last week, the defender looked nervous throughout, missed a gilt-edged headed chance and also gave away a last-minute penalty.
But whilst there might be a few chewing their fingernails about the potential inclusion of Simpson against Celtic, these things go two ways.
Whilst Simpson has flattered to deceive in his admittedly brief appearances to date, should he be called upon against our Old Firm rivals it’s a chance for him to change these early opinions.
Ahead of the final Old Firm match of the season, Rangers have taken aim at Celtic with a cheeky dig aimed at the club around the matchday programmes.
