Rangers 27-year-old to make full debut in clash against Partick – Insider
By Harry Sykes
Carlos Pena is set to make his full Rangers debut in their League Cup clash against Partick Thistle on Tuesday night, according to a club insider.
The Establishment Consultancy Twitter account, which has broken a number of Rangers stories in recent months, reported on Tuesday afternoon that the Mexico international, 27, will be in the starting XI for the first time in the quarter-final at Firhill.
Central midfielder Pena has made four appearances for the Glasgow giants since his £2.5million summer move from Leon but has yet to make the side from the start.
He scored in the recent 4-1 league win against Dundee but his playing time for the club has amounted to 104 minutes and supporters will be keen to see more of their big-money new arrival.
Pena could replace Kenny Miller in the starting XI after manager Pedro Caixinha revealed on Monday that the veteran forward, 37, will be rested for the second clash at Firhill in four days.
Caixinha’s plans have also been disrupted by injuries to skipper Lee Wallace, central midfielder Jordan Rossiter and playmaker Niko Kranjcar.
Midfielder Graham Dorrans has also been struggling with illness and missed training on Monday.
Dorrans is set to recover in time to face bitter rivals Celtic in Saturday’s Old Firm clash and could even be involved against Partick.
The other three will miss both of this week’s matches in what represents a blow to manager Caixinha.
In other Rangers team news, Chris Sutton has destroyed a midfielder for his display during Friday’s draw against Partick Thistle.
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