Rangers have something of a midfield crisis, and yet, there is still no sign of Kieran Dowell in Philippe Clement’s squad.
Against Dundee, there was no specialist cover in the Gers squad with Dujon Sterling and Leon King ending the game as the pairing in the engine room.
The Rangers manager has been careful with how he has brought players back from injury but in the case of Kieran Dowell, he might not have a choice other than to throw him back into the team.
Rangers need to make Kieran Dowell future decision
Speaking earlier this month, Clement confirmed that Dowell is back in training but that competition was the main reason for his absence:
“Kieran is training hard and doing his maximum every day. We have a lot of players and for sure in the position that he’s playing there’s a lot of competition. Everybody has always a future in the club as long he’s in the club so, yes, for sure.”
Rangers squad is imbalanced and has too many midfielders of a certain type, however, with Jose Cifuentes potentially being suspended for the Viaplay Cup final, Clement will want a natural in midfield.
Having only played five minutes for the first-team since August and 188 competitive minutes all season, Dowell is now one of the favourites to be sold to make room for players that Clement wants.
The 26-year old isn’t in the Europa League squad so, if he is picked to play against Aberdeen, there will be an element of risk.
If he isn’t picked though, it says a lot about his future at the club, especially if Rangers play either of the two young defenders out of position rather than Kieran Dowell.
Fortunately, we didn’t pay a fee for Dowell so any money made is a bonus and it should make it easier to move him on too.
It’s a big week for Rangers, but it is just as big for Kieran Dowell too.
