Derek McInnes issues one new injury concern ahead of League Cup semi final as under-fire Rangers star defended

Rangers midfielder Tochi Chukwuani has a ‘grumbly knee’ ahead of their all-important League Cup semi final clash against Aberdeen.

Ibrox boss Derek McInnes confirmed he is the only fresh injury concern from their 2-2 draw against Hearts on Wednesday night. The Light Blues weren’t at their best in the capital but managed to maintain their 10-game unbeaten record, which they will seek to extend on Saturday evening.

Chukwuani came on a late substitute for midfielder Dan Neil in the Tynecastle stalemate. While the Dane has largely found himself below Neil and Nico Raskin in the midfield selection pecking order, he was just starting to find his form again - and scored from the bench in their 4-0 victory over St Johnstone at Ibrox last week.

Rangers suffer fresh injury concern ahead of League Cup semi final

Speaking ahead of their trip to Hampden, McInnes insisted that the knock isn’t serious - but that it does make him a doubt for Saturday. The Rangers boss said: “Tochi [Chukwuani] has got a wee bit of a grumbly knee this morning. We're going to get him scanned this afternoon just to see how it is. His knee's dry, but he's got a wee bit of discomfort. I don't think it's anything too serious. Hopefully the scan gives us a wee bit of reassurance on that. Other than him, we're good to go.”

The result against Hearts could’ve been a lot worse on Wednesday night, but title rivals also dropping points at home to Dundee United somewhat softened the blow. Rangers could barely contain the Hearts attack in stages of the game and defender Emmanuel Fernandez has come under fire for his performance, with pundit Kris Boyd claiming he ‘struggled’ at Tynecastle.

McInnes defends Fernandez after Tynecastle scrutiny

The Nigerian has been a mainstay at the back for McInnes since he took over despite his inconsistencies. However, when the Rangers boss was asked about the under-fire defender, he quickly stuck up for him. He continued: “I only get asked about Fernandez when he has a poor game. Nobody asked me about Fernandez on Saturday (against St Johnstone): he was outstanding on Saturday.

“He looks like he could have played St Johnstone himself at the back. So, I understand when players drop because he's got such a high ceiling and when he's good, he's very good. But that's the same for a lot of players. Last night wasn't only Manny Fernandez, last night was a collective and I never get asked about Manny when he does really well and he's been a big part of our better performances this season.

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