Russell Martin outcast has perfect chance to salvage Rangers career amid Dujon Sterling injury update
Dujon Sterling is a major doubt for Rangers in their trip to take on Aberdeen on Sunday.
The Gers are set to continue their quest for the Premiership title against the Dons this weekend, after they beat them 2-0 at Ibrox in the return fixture on Tuesday night.
Rangers triumphed through goals from Emmanuel Fernandez and Nicolas Raskin in the midweek victory, and they will be hoping for a similar result at Pittodrie this time around.
However, Danny Rohl and Co. are faced with several injury concerns ahead of their trip North, with Sterling perhaps the most unlikely to feature at present.
Dujon Sterling scan means it’s now or never for Clinton Nsiala
Sterling has been excellent for Rangers since his return from injury in early December following a lengthy lay-off.
The 26-year-old hadn’t played a competitive minute since last April when he returned to the fold in the defeat to Ferencvaros on 11 December, but he has since slotted into the backline smoothly.
However, the former Chelsea youngster is now one of the Gers’ biggest doubts for their upcoming clash with Aberdeen.
The trio of Sterling, Connor Barron and Mikey Moore are all carrying knocks, and while none have been ruled out for certain according to the Daily Record, Sterling is surely highly unlikely to feature, given that he has been sent for a scan.
That looks set to potentially leave the door open for Clinton Nsiala to push John Souttar for a place in the starting XI.
The 21-year-old failed to play a single competitive minute under Russell Martin, but he has featured in several matchday squads since Rohl’s arrival, and has even earned three substitute appearances in recent weeks.
Nsiala was cut adrift by the previous boss, but if Sterling isn’t fit enough for Sunday’s clash, then he will surely be required to play a part at some stage, potentially even from the start.
It is surely now or never for the starlet in terms of his Rangers career, and he needs to show Rohl that he is deserving of a bigger role moving forward.
Clinton Nsiala was buzzing with Russell Martin sack
Football Insider revealed back in October that Nsiala would bide his time at Rangers before deciding to push for a move away, and he now appears to have had the last laugh over Martin.
The former AC Milan youngster has slowly seen his fortunes turn around under Rohl, and while he is still waiting for his first start under the German’s guidance, it has already become clear that he won’t be cut adrift in the same manner.
Nsiala proved himself to be a capable young player when he burst onto the scene at Ibrox last year, but Martin’s persistent snub left him without regular football for several months.
He is sure to have been delighted when the 40-year-old lost his job, and he will now be desperate to try and prove himself to Rohl in the coming weeks.
The defender has needed time to build his way back to match fitness, but he is now ready to become a regular part of matchday squads once again.