Three new signings start in 4-3-3: Rangers best possible XI v Progres
COMMENT By Derek Smithson
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha should hand three of his new signings their debut on Thursday night when they face Luxembourg outfit Progres Niederkorn at Ibrox.
The Gers host the European minnows in the first-leg of the Europa League’s first qualifying round.
Eight new faces have arrived already this summer at the Scottish giants and the trio of Fabio Cardoso, Carlos Pena and Ryan Jack should get their first run out for the Light Blues.
Barrie McKay should also be involved in a best possible XI due to his quality in the wide area, but that is unlikely to happen as he has reportedly been made to train with the Under-20s squad amid uncertainly over his future.
The 22-year-old could play a major role next season if he stays at Ibrox and Caixinha should seriously reconsider his decision.
Rangers’ team to play Progres should see eight changes from the team that beat St Johnstone on the final day of last season.
Caixinha introduced several youngsters at the back-end of last year, but must field a full strength team to ensure they begin their European campaign with a win.
Wes Foderingham should get the nod in goal as he looks set to be the number one next season, with a marginal edge over teammate Jan Alnwick.
James Tavernier and David Bates should retain their spots from the St Johnstone clash, with the latter impressing after getting his first-team chance.
They should be joined in a back four by captain Lee Wallace at left-back and new centre-back signing Cardoso, who impressed with Portuguese side Vitoria Setubal last year.
Rangers will have veteran defender Bruno Alves at their disposal once he returns from international duty and the centre-back must be involved in the starting XI when available.
The Gers should field a new-look midfield that sees Niko Kranjcar, Pena and Jack form a great balanced set-up.
Two new signings Jack and Pena should add some real grit in the middle of the park, while playmaker Kranjcar will feel like a new signing if chucked back into the line-up following his long-term injury.
That leaves McKay and Kenny Miller in the wide positions, two of the club’s best players last season.
Caixinha can’t complete a major overhaul without keeping some of his best players and the experienced Miller is someone that should still play a major role going forward.
That leaves new signing Morelos as the central striker and the 21-year-old looks to be the real deal.
He must be given a chance to lead the line and try show the form of last year, where he scored 20 goals in 25 appearances for Finish club HJK Helsinki.
Rangers’ squad already looks considerably stronger and will have the likes of Danny Wilson, Lee Hodson, Jason Holt, Josh Windass, Martyn Waghorn, Dalcio and Eduardo Herrera in reserve.
In other Rangers team news, Caixinha has raved about the club’s 19-year-old emerging star.
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