McAvennie tips Rangers to ‘strike a January deal’ to get one over Celtic
Frank McAvennie claims Rangers could strike a deal over the availability of Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun for January’s Old Firm clash.
The former Celtic hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims the Gers are asking for “special treatment”.
According to the Daily Record (via Mailsport), Rangers are seeking permission for the Nigeria trio to report for international duty after the game against Celtic.
FIFA rules currently stipulate that the Gers have to release their international stars on 27 December.
This means they would miss the match against the Hoops on 2 January.
The Rangers stars could miss up to five matches while at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
McAvennie claims the Gers could elect to send one of the three stars in a bid to strike a deal.
“They are asking for special treatment,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I completely understand that. You want your best players available for the biggest games.
“I think they could strike a deal in January, maybe they will send them Bassey if they can keep Aribo and Balogun.
“That’s to take nothing away from Bassey. I just don’t think they will need him in the Old Firm.
“Aribo is the main man at the moment so they will be very keen to keep him in. Him going is a big problem.
“The only thing I would say is Rangers are overflowing with talent in that midfield.
“That isn’t really the problem, the centre back area is a bit of an issue.
“I get why they are trying to do it but even if those players are missing I don’t think they are too much worse off.”
In other news, this pundit has claimed one Rangers star has played his last game for the club.