Rangers are looking to bolster their ranks in January, but why aren’t they looking for some right-back cover?
Mark Allen spoke to the Herald about the club’s transfer plans in the Winter. Whilst acknowledging that not many will come in, he did aim his focus towards securing another striker.
Umar Sadiq has failed to work out at all whilst Kyle Lafferty isn’t doing much to take the goal burden off of Alfredo Morelos. Another forward arriving in January is a must, and it’s good that the club realise that.
Yet, despite that, not a lot has been done to look for cover for James Tavernier. The Gers captain has played every minute of every match this season, and the club are threatening to become complacent with him.
Tavernier is a bit like a terminator. He just goes on and on without seeming to be capable of any form of injury. Whilst that’s fantastic for himself and Rangers, there needs to be a contingency plan in place for when he does get a knock.
Jon Flanagan has to be considered the back-up to the Rangers captain. Despite operating unconvincingly at left-back this season, Flanagan is a natural right-back. Rangers, however, simply cannot feel comfortably with just having him on reserve given his performances.
New right-back doesn’t have to be spectacular
It doesn’t need to be someone with the attacking threat of Tavernier. They also don’t have to cost a lot of money either. Rangers just need another capable body in here in case their captain gets injured or suspended in the future.
Andy Halliday has been working tremendously well down the left in recent weeks. He’s Rangers through and through, and shows how far determination and aggression can get you on the field. Therefore, he’s exactly the kind of player Rangers need to find down the right too.
In truth, this probably should’ve been done in the summer. December is going to be a long month, and the onus is going to be on Tavernier to play every single game. Whilst rotation will be happening all around him, he’ll be one of the main constants in the team.
It’s unfair on him to play every single match Rangers play. Whilst Tavernier and the club have been fortunate so far, it’s asking for an injury at this stage.
Getting some reliable cover in down that side would be a wise move. Unfortunately, that doesn’t look like being on Steven Gerrard’s or Allen’s radar.
