Rangers duo told they could be dropped ahead of Old Firm as door open for Wolves loanee amid Celtic fallout
Rangers have some alternative options in a key area including their Wolves loanee.
Kris Boyd reckons two Rangers stars have doubt surrounding their places in the team - opening the door to a Wolves loanee’s return.
Fallout has been rife since Danny Rohl’s side dropped a two goal lead and drew 2-2 with Celtic in the Premiership, leaving them six points off leaders Hearts. They’re back to Old Firm business at Ibrox this weekend in a Scottish Cup quarter final but Ibrox hero Boyd reckons questions need asked of centre-back duo John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez.
Kieran Tierney got free in the box to head one goal home while Daizen Maeda also found room to create the penalty situation that Reo Hatate eventually converted. Boss Rohl has Wolves loanee Nasser Djiga as his other fit centre-back option while Dujon Sterling could move in a spot from right-back, but whatever he does, the former striker thinks it will be a decision on Rohl’s mind.
What Rangers duo could be dropped ahead of next Old Firm derby?
Boyd said: "It wasn't so long ago we were praising Rangers for not conceding goals. Now it looks as if they're going to have to score at least a couple to win a game of football. Livingston are a dogged team that cause problems.
"But for Rangers to have to go there and score three goals to win, it doesn't fill you with confidence. And on Sunday, the two goals are preventable from a Rangers point of view. I don't know if Danny has a decision to make in terms of the centre-back pairing. They were praised, and rightly so, for a period of time when they'd done really well.
"But you look at it now and you've got to question the understanding of both Souttar and Fernandez. Daizen Maeda, for the penalty incident, takes them short and spins. But then he's two, three yards away from them. You've got to react.
Kris Boyd on Rangers title chances
"You've got to anticipate where the striker is going to go. That's what good defenders do. Even the first goal, I know Tuur Rommens has had to run out on the other side of the pitch. But Fernandez and Nico Raskin have then got to realise, 'I'm the leftback' and 'I'm the centre-back'. They can't allow Kieran Tierney to get in between them.
"I look at that and think successful Rangers teams would not let that happen. There is a vulnerability there. Until that's addressed I don't see Rangers being able to deliver titles. Mentality will always be questioned until you start learning things.
“People have spoken about Celtic over the years. There have been times where they've not been at their best, but they've found a way to win. They've shown the kind of mentality that pulls them over the line. They've developed the understanding and know-how to go and win titles and win cups. You look at Rangers right now, it's always going to be questioned until they start winning cups on a regular basis and start winning leagues again.”