McInnes assesses future of Rangers fringe men as star set to re-enter fold while defender could still face axe

Rangers boss Derek McInnes claims there’s still away for minutes-frustrated striker Bojan Miovski to claw himself back into the team - but transfer-linked defender John Souttar could still be headed elsewhere.

Ahead of Wednesday’s Premiership clash with St Mirren, the manager announced that first choice number Lawrence Shankland will be out for three to possibly four months, depending on whether his hamstring injury requires surgery or not. With fellow number nine Youssef Chermiti also out for a ‘significant period of time’ with an ACL injury, there could be a way back into the team for Miovski, who looked destined for the Ibrox exit door less than a week ago.

The North Macedonia international recently sacked his agent after he didn’t secure a deadline day move despite Dutch giants Feyenoord and Turkish side interested. Strikers Ryan Naderi and Kevin Kelsy remain ahead of him in the selection pecking order - but Rangers’ bad luck with injuries could mean his game time improves. Miovski has only accrued 40 minutes on the pitch so far this season and wasn’t included in the matchday squad during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Motherwell.

Proven Miovski still has a chance

The Ibrox faithful have barely even seen glimmers of the man who netted 44 times in 98 appearances for Aberdeen during his previous spell in Scotland. However, McInnes claims he still has a place in the Rangers squad despite admitting himself he though there was a good chance he was headed elsewhere. The manager said: “Bojan [Miovski's] goals-per-game ratio in Scotland is very, very strong and throughout pre-season he's been brilliant.

“There was a point where it looked as though he might be going elsewhere, but that's football. Opportunities come along and I'm glad these three lads are in the building. It's not always the case that you've got such good options when you get two significant injuries in one area of the pitch, so I feel fortunate we've got them.”

Souttar future at Ibrox unlikely

Also linked with a move away from Ibrox during the summer was Souttar, however the Scotland international also remained at the club. Former Rangers boss Russell Martin was looking at the centre back at new club Leicester City, while Sheffield United had also expressed interest. However, while McInnes thinks there is still a route back in the team for Souttar, he’s also convinced his future lies away from Ibrox.

When asked if Souttar could still have a role to play, he responded: “I think he still can, but the likelihood is that John has been told his long-term future would be best served elsewhere. He still has opportunities to move. There are a few windows still open in Europe and there are a few possibilities for him. I don't want to speculate too much, but there are one or two options he's keen on that seem to be gathering traction. For him, going somewhere and playing regular football might be the best option. But if nothing materialises, then of course we'll honour his contract and he'll come back into things.”

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