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BBC pundit: This is what worries me about the Rangers team heading into Celtic clash
By Harvey Byrne
BBC pundit and former Rangers striker Steven Thompson has shared that he’s worried youngsters Myles Beerman and David Bates might be overawed by the occasion on Sunday.
The Gers are gearing up for a Scottish Cup semi-final clash which sees them travel to Scotland’s iconic Hampden Park where they will also face fierce rivals Celtic.
It is thought that a strong mentality will be needed from both sets of players if their respective side’s are to reach the final and it may be too much for rookies Bates and Beerman, who have only recently made their senior debuts for the club.
Now, Thompson would seemingly agree with this thought process and he has shared his own worries regarding the emerging aces.
“Another thing that worries me slightly about the Rangers team are the two younger players at the back. They’ve done fantastically well since they’ve come in,” started Thompson speaking to BBC Sport Scotland.
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“Rangers, four clean sheets in five. Defensively, Rangers look a lot better, but it’s the occasion that worries me about them and it’ll be a big test of character for them.
“It’s their first Old Firm game, their first game probably at Hampden. A full house. How would they deal with that? And I think that’s going to be a good subplot on Sunday.”
Both Bates and Beerman were drafted into the Rangers first team earlier in the month after the club suffered an injury crisis at the back.
Beerman, 18, has largely impressed with his confidence and ability which allows him to run up the pitch, while Bates, 20, has helped the team keep three clean sheets in his three appearances alongside Danny Wilson in the centre-back positions.
The youngsters will be hoping Pedro Caixinha does give them the nod on Sunday, but a mistake in the match could also prove highly detrimental to their long-term futures.
In other Rangers news, Marvin Andrews has blasted these players’ displays under former boss Mark Warburton.
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