With Rangers strongly interested in Osijek star Eros Grezda, where does this leave Daniel Candeias?
The Portuguese was signed by Pedro Caixinha back in 2017, and remains a fans-favourite. His energy and passion for the club shone through in his performances, and supporters loved him for it.
However, with interest in Grezda clear at this stage, it leaves Candeias’ role in the squad hugely up for debate.
Fir Park no-show
Candeias didn’t feature in the draw against Motherwell, despite appearances in recent weeks. This may have been because Rangers have a huge second-leg against Ufa coming up on Thursday. However, many other first-team stars participated at Fir Park.
Grezda didn’t play against Rangers as he was out with an injury. This means he will have to prove himself at Ibrox before overtaking Candeias in the pecking order.
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The worrying thing for Candeias, however, is that Gerrard seems to like persisting with his own signings. It’s also a blow to the Portguese that Gerrard feels the right-side is an area that needs bolstered upon.
Rangers also have Glenn Middleton who can operate on either side. With Gerrard an admirer of the youngster, that could seriously affect the role of Candeias in this new-look Gers outfit.
Competition for places
The manager will want competition down the right-hand side, that much is obvious. Candeias remains the only out-and-out right winger, and therefore it’s perhaps only natural that Gerrard looks to give him a battle for the position.
Regardless, it’ll still be a blow to the Portuguese, who has a job holding onto the position as a Caixinha signing. Despite the fact he was a fans-favourite last season, Candeias was still part of a highly-embarrassing side, and that will be a tough label to have shaken off of him.
Gerrard appears willing to give everyone a second chance at the club, but Candeias’ time in the side may be coming to an end.