Rangers set for ‘massive boost’ after confirmed news – expert
The international break will be a “massive boost” for Rangers after their “draining” recent schedule, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the break will give the Ibrox club the chance to “recharge the batteries” ahead of a crunch Old Firm clash next month.
Rangers have struggled since returning to Europa League action in February and have dropped three points behind rivals Celtic.
Since resuming their European adventure Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have scored just seven goals in five games – dropping four points in the process.
As per club media (22 March), Aaron Ramsey, Joe Aribo, and Glen Kamara are among 11 first-teamers joining up with their international squads this week.
Despite that fact, Whelan believes the break will provide a valuable opportunity for Rangers to sharpen their focus ahead of the league run-in.
“This break will be a massive boost for Van Bronckhorst,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It’s so difficult when you come back from Europe, and we’ve seen that in their performances.
“The games, the travel, the short turnaround – it’s really not easy to play both, it’s draining.
“Rangers have got this never-say-die spirit, and they need to. They know that if you don’t get anything out of a league game, then they’ve gift-wrapped that extra lead to Celtic.
“This will be huge now for Rangers to recharge the batteries and take stock ahead of that massive Old Firm game.
“They’ll be looking at that game as an opportunity to swing the title race back in their favour.”
Rangers face Celtic at Ibrox on 3 April as they aim to draw level on points with the Hoops.
Van Bronckhorst’s side are back in Europa League action on 7 April against Braga.
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