Three Rangers players who can salvage their careers under Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard appears set for an emotional return to Rangers following Russell Martin’s dismal 123-day reign at Ibrox.
Rangers sacked Martin after just 17 competitive games in charge, but after winning just five of them, and the Gers are now back in the market for another manager for the 2025-26 campaign.
Football Insider understands that Rangers are accelerating talks with Gerrard to fill the vacant spot in the dugout, having previously had a spell in Glasgow between 2018 and 2021.
The Light Blues are currently 11 points off the top of the Scottish Premiership title after seven matches, but getting these three players back to firing at their very best could completely change the season.
James Tavernier
James Tavernier is often seen as a scapegoat for the fans, and with his age and pace, he can be caught out at right-back, and very usually did as Martin’s team was ripped to shreds.
However, the veteran still has four goals and an assist for the Gers in all competitions this season. He was an absolute unit during Gerrard‘s previous stint at the club, and he will be hoping to reproduce that form.
In fact, during the Liverpool legend’s first season in Scotland, Tavernier recorded 17 goals and 18 assists in 57 appearances from defence. This came one term after notching nine goals and seven assists.
While the right-back has been consistent in the final third, this upturn in form years ago will not have been a coincidence.
Clinton Nsiala
Football Insider understands that Clinton Nsiala was waiting for Martin to be sacked, and now that the defender has got his wish, he should be able to start proving himself in Scotland.
His first season at Ibrox was tough. Very tough. Just 13 first-team appearances, often caught out as the last line of defence, and shipped off to the reserves by the new manager this summer.
Having come through the AC Milan academy, there should be absolutely no doubts over his abilities. Yet, he has not made a single appearance in the 2025-26 campaign.
Nico Raskin
Nico Raskin’s fallout with Martin went viral. His father weighed in on the situation, and the former manager appeared to have fixed their relationship, at least in his own mind, anyway.
The 24-year-old experienced his best season yet last term, notching five goals and 11 assists across all competitions.
While he already has five goal contributions this campaign, from the outside, it appears that he has been punished for expressing himself during an extremely difficult period for the club.
Gerrard is unlikely to have the same reaction, having played in some very high-calibre situations as a player. Also, given his position on the pitch, the Liverpool legend has all the capabilities of turning Raskin into a complete monster.