Rangers just about scraped past St Mirren in Paisley as hopes of a domestic treble still linger in the sub-conscious of optimistic fans.
Philippe Clement still has his hands tied in terms of team selection due to injuries to key attackers in his squad and his starting XI was as strong as it could be.
As always, Rangers had to do it the hard way after going in front against St Mirren but Neil McCann was far from impressed with two players who had been tasked with creating chances.
Rangers problems in attack persist against St Mirren
To put it into perspective, Rangers first forward line is missing.
Oscar Cortes, Abdallah Sima and Danilo are all upgrades on the players who started against St Mirren.
Then, when you consider that Todd Cantwell is not long back after injury, it’s easy to see why the Light Blues attack isn’t firing on all cylinders.
It also puts into perspective Cyriel Dessers’ 20 goals and eight assists.
He’s not exactly had much help.
Dessers was involved in both goals and should have had an assist for a beautifully weighted pass to put Tom Lawrence clean through only to see the Wales international’s effort cleared off the line.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound former Rangers winger McCann wasn’t happy with a couple of Rangers forwards who should have done better:
“Todd Cantwell is offering nothing and neither is Dujon Sterling.”
Philippe Clement has hands tied with creativity issue
There is a chicken and egg problem with some of Rangers forward play at the moment.
In the second half, Cantwell was much more effective because he was getting decent ball, in space, and with the chance to turn and run at St Mirren’s defence.
As for Sterling, it’s his first appearance on the right wing for several weeks having been filling in at left-back.
He’s not going to pick the ball up and started beating players like club legend Brian Laudrup used to do.
What he will do is link play with James Tavernier and cover the skipper when he goes forward, he also offers greater protection out of possession.
But, he’s not a winger.
If only Rangers had a player like Neil McCann available now.
There is a knock on effect not having two consistent wingers who are naturals in the position.
Cantwell, as the number 10, has to be able to interchange with them and play off them, however, the quality just isn’t there.
McCann is right, but it’s a problem that isn’t going to change until Clement gets to bring his own players in and strengthen the squad.
