Philippe Clement had a few big calls to make ahead of the Scottish Cup clash with Celtic as Rangers look to add a second trophy of the season.
The league campaign failed to live up to the excitement that it once promised, and the manager’s injury list is one that continues to frustrate with a squad that is about to be ripped up.
One individual, who could be set to leave, is John Lundstram, whose name being absent from Rangers starting XI delighted fans before a ball was even kicked.
John Lundstram gets dropped for Rangers as fans react
The midfielder is heavily tipped to be joining Trabzonspor and, after his recent performances, isn’t going to be a big miss.
His last outing, at Parkhead, was a disaster.
Rated as the worst display of the Scottish Premiership season, Lundstram threw in an all-time stinker and one that Rangers fans won’t want to see today – it appears to have cost him his place.
He was dribbled past, made no tackles, left Matt O’Riley free to score the opener, scored an own goal and then got a needless red card.
It’s his last dance and his last opportunity to leave with his head held high, but he will have to wait.
These fans on X couldn’t hide their delight.
Clement’s pleas for Lundstram backing fall on deaf ears
Lundstram has been one of the most frustrating players in Rangers recent history.
What he is capable of and what we have seen on a regular basis recently are two different things.
Looking to defend someone who had been key for him during large parts of the season, Clement said:
“I am never going to make decisions about what fans are thinking at that moment. Because that is emotions.
“They don’t see trainings, they don’t see the team working.
“They don’t even know the playters, how they are in the dressing room.
“So I don’t think I need to answer that question. It is about a decision based on what I have seen the last couple of months in the games.”
Fans have every right to celebrate.
It doesn’t matter what happens in training when, in four derbies this season, John Lundstram has underperformed for Rangers.
One last dance? One last chance, if he gets on.
