Rangers host Queen’s Park in an ‘original Glasgow derby’ at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.
After the Gers eased past Fraserburgh – of the Highland League – in the last round, they meet the Spiders who left it late to beat League One outfit Montrose – after extra-time – at Hampden in mid-January.
The Scottish Cup is Rangers’ best chance of a trophy this season, and they’ll want to go one better having lost out in last season’s final to bitter rivals Celtic.
At home, against Championship opposition, the weekend presents an opportunity for Philippe Clement to rotate but it should be stressed that Queen’s Park shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Here are three players that could be given the nod at the weekend:
Rafael Fernandes
Portuguese defender Rafael Fernandes made his Rangers debut off the bench against Ross County in Sunday’s 4-0 victory. The 22-year-old slipped down the pecking order at Lille, so joined the Gers as their only January transfer that can play a part in the 2024/25 campaign.
Rangers have had a host of defenders vying for places, as John Souttar returned from injury at the weekend. He’s established himself as the first-choice centre-back this season, but potential partners have included Robin Pröpper, Leon Balogun and Clinton Nsiala.
Their latest defensive recruit needs minutes after failing to make a single league appearance for LOSC, since arriving from Arouca in his native Portugal. A start against lower league opposition could be seen as the perfect opportunity to gain some valuable game time.
Bailey Rice
Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin have cemented their spots as the duo in front of the Gers’ back four. Connor Barron hasn’t nailed down a first-team place, so may be handed an opportunity this weekend against Queen’s Park but it’s another midfielder that could come into question.
Bailey Rice is the youngest player to appear in the league post-war for the Gers after making his debut as a 16-year-old in a 3-0 victory over Livingston away from home two years ago.
Ianis Hagi labelled Rice as ‘really talented’ following the youngster’s impressive cameo at Old Trafford in the last-gasp Europa League defeat to Manchester United
Sunday’s showdown could be a good chance for him to start, and ultimately give the opportunity for Diomande or Raskin to be rested. The 18-year-old needs the opportunity to showcase his talent and, at Ibrox against a team in a division below, the weekend could be seen as a great chance to do that.
Ross McCausland
Ross McCausland netted Rangers’ fourth against Fraserburgh in the last round, and the Northern Irish winger will hope to be given the nod against Queen’s Park this weekend. The 21-year-old was nominated for last season’s PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award.
Opportunities have been limited for the former Linfield youth prospect this season, with his most notable chance coming in a position that isn’t even his. Having filled in at right-back in the Europa League victory over Union St.Gilloise, he may be pushed higher up here as he aims to start against the Spiders.
Vaclav Cerny, arguably Rangers’ player of the season, is first choice on the right hand-side for Rangers. Sunday’s match against Queen’s Park may be the perfect opportunity to keep the Czech on the bench, as it’s his shirt to lose, and the Gers would then be given the chance to call on the big guns if required.
Despite Queen’s Park’s inconsistencies in the Scottish Championship, they can pose a threat on their day. Wholesale changes would be a gamble, but incorporating a few fringe players may be of great benefit to Rangers for upcoming fixtures both domestically and continentally.
