Rangers news: Pundit issues verdict on Aaron Ramsey starting v Hearts after training reveal
Noel Whelan has suggested Aaron Ramsey could step straight into the Rangers starting XI against Hearts on Sunday after missing out against Celtic.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted it was a “surprise” the 31-year-old did not even make the bench for Wednesday’s 3-0 derby day defeat.
Speaking on Friday (4 February), Giovanni van Bronckhorst confirmed Ramsey is “looking good” at the club’s Auchenhowie training headquarters and will be assessed today (Saturday).
Whelan admitted he was stunned Van Bronckhorst left the new arrival out for the trip to Parkhead.
He suggested Ramsey has “every right” to step into the starting XI if ready.
“I’m very surprised he wasn’t even on the bench the other night,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“I think that in itself gives confidence to a squad and the team that is out there, just having your new signing on the bench. Having somebody of that calibre and stature watching on.
“He could have been brought on at half-time to maybe change the game. This is why you bring these international players in with that experience.
“When things aren’t going right, sometimes you need bigger players to step up. Yes, it might not have been ideal because he’s just signed.
“But I’m very surprised Van Bronckhorst didn’t put somebody like Aaron Ramsey on the bench just to come on. Maybe for those 45 minutes to change the fortunes of being 3-0.
“I think he’s got every right, right now, to be calling for that spot against Hearts.”
Injury and illness mean Ramsey has not played a first-team game since October.
The Gers face Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday.
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