Filip Helander: Rangers handed ‘massive’ boost as Ibrox star tipped for axe – Hutton
Rangers have been handed a “massive” boost with Filip Helander back in first-team contention, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Gers star and Rangers TV pundit, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 28-year-old could take Calvin Bassey’s centre-back spot permanently.
Helander made his first appearance in five months in the Scottish Cup win over Annan Athletic (12 February), scoring the opening goal.
Having been left out of the squad against Borussia Dortmund, he then started Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Dundee United.
Bassey has been a favourite of Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Helander’s absence and started against Dortmund.
However, Hutton suggested the Sweden international is likely to retake his starting role from the 22-year-old over the coming weeks.
“When you see Helander, especially with his performances on European nights, his quality really came to the fore on those evenings,” Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“To have him back I think is massive because you need somebody with his experience.
“Bassey, as good as he has done, I’m not sure he is ready for that sort of level yet. Especially playing in a sort of foreign position.
“I know he can play there but ideally he’d play left-back.
“I think it’s a timely return for Helander. Hopefully, he is fit enough and well enough he can slot in there, go for it and all his injury worries are behind him.”
Helander has played just eight times for Rangers this season.
He underwent surgery on a knee injury back in September.
Van Bronckhorst also has Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun and Jack Simpson to call upon at centre-back.
In other news, pundit cites Eric Dier in “massive” Rangers player “turnaround”.