Rangers, return to domestic action on Sunday, with a trip to Fraserburgh, live on Sky in the William Hill, Scottish Cup. Fresh off positive showings and a team bonding experience in the Florida Cup.
It is hard to remember just when the last time excitement like present gripped the Rangers support, after a host of new signings have arrived in the winter transfer window so far. For the first time since 2012 a Rangers manager now has a genuine selection headache. Credit must go to the board and Mark Allen, in achieving and securing the targets set out.
Here are 5 storylines to follow for Sunday:
1, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR CUMMINGS TO SCORE?
After his hubristic interview on RTV, upon signing, Cummings proclaimed he would score goals in a Rangers shirt and what better way to get off the ground running, with a debut goal.
Personally, I am generally excited about seeing Cummings in a Rangers jersey, he inflicted plenty of damage on us when last at a club in Scotland, his attitude and ability is exactly what we need at this stage in order to take us to the next level in my humble opinion, also providing a good foil for Morelos, taking the some load off his young shoulders in the process.
2, HOW WILL THE NEW PLAYERS FIT IN?
Undoubtedly, the biggest task facing the Rangers manager will be in who to select. Just how to accommodate Murphy, Morelos, Cummings, Windass and Candeias into a forward line, is I’m sure a problem he is happy to have. Equally, there is selection issues in midfield and defence now, the team does no longer automatically pick itself.
Andy Halliday, should also see a return to top team action with both McCorie, and Jack ruled out his tackling and combative style could prove a key asset in a fixture like this.
We also now possess genuine options from the bench, no more will the substitutes look like a case of who is fit enough to fill it, alongside a few youth prospects.
Exactly how and where all these players will slot into the side remains a mystery, with Murty favoring just one out-and-out striker so far in his tenure. Might we see a chance off shape in order to extract the best attacking options available, only time will tell.
Of course, after the recent pictures of Windass, surfaced at Glasgow Airport, with the player reportedly heading South for a routine scan.
3, WILL FRINGE PLAYERS LIKE DALCIO BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO STAKE A CLAIM?
Dalcio surprised many fans with his display in the Florida Cup and with Rangers facing lower league opposition many will wonder if the winger will be given a chance to shine again.
This is a game we could also see Micheal O Halloran, getting a run out, a chance he would have to take with open arms and impress if he is to have any sort of long-term future beyond the summer at Ibrox.
Lee Hodson, could also see a run out with the ever impressive Ross McCrorie, facing a spell on the sidelines till mid-February.
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Personally, I would have liked to have seen young McCorie at right back ,I feel his energy and defending ability could offer us the best and most cost-effective option if Tavernier, is in fact sold.
It was a position the youngster played many times for the youth team and would also make us stronger at defending the back post.
4, WILL MOTM AT PARKHEAD DAVID BATES BE LEFT OUT ?
David Bates, came on at Parkhead, for the injured Bruno Alves, turning in as fine a display as a centre half can.
If he is the one to make way to accommodate Martin, with Danny Wilson, at the centre of the Rangers defence, the boy can feel more than a little hard done by.
He has shown in matches at both Parkhead and Pittodrie, earlier in the season, just how fine a defender he is, winning man of the match on both occasions.
It’s another tough call for the Rangers gaffer. He may not have the passing ability of Wilson, or the experience of Martin but the boy can defend.
5, HOW WILL RANGERS COPE WITH THE CONDITIONS ?
This will be an old school cup tie in so many regards, Rangers players will find themselves in tight unfamiliar surroundings, with a pitch that is liable to cut up easily.
How they handle the occasion and the weather is one to defiantly watch, many will be used to all the trimmings a modern club can offer. This is cup football at its purest.
A special mention must also go to Fraserbugh, in not electing to switch the tie for the sake of money. Opting to maintain their home field advantage.
This is why the cup was created, for games like this.
Steven Harrigan
@steven_harrigan @rangersnewsuk