Rangers legend changes narrative on international break timing as calm called for after 'chaos'

Rangers legend Mark Hateley reckons the international break is coming at an ‘ideal’ time for his former club, as it gives the management team an opportunity to reflect and allows extra time for returning injured players.

The Light Blues go into the break having defeated Celtic in back-to-back games as they closed the gap on their Premiership rivals to two points. The extended break has the potential to stop Derek McInnes in his tracks just as his side gather momentum, however Hateley reckons the manager can use the three weeks to his advantage.

After the most recent victory over Celtic on Sunday, McInnes himself admitted that the break isn’t coming at a bad time. Midfielders Dan Neil and Cammy Devlin and defenders Dujon Sterling and James Penrice all picked up slight knocks at Parkhead but now have ample time to recover. Left back Tuur Rommens suffered a groin strain last month but has recently returned to training. The break will also allow him more time to get back up to speed so he’s ready for Rangers’ next fixture against Kilmarnock on October 10.

Why does Hateley think the international break is ‘ideal’ for Rangers?

The former striker said: “There was a lot of chaos in the background, trying to get players out and get players in, which was urgently needed. I think you see it's all sort of settled down now that Derek's had the boys under his watch now for a period of time where he can see the good things, the bad things, the not too sure things, not too sure about that player playing there.

“People ask if it is an ideal time right now to go into this international break. I still think it will be, you know, you sit down and you can sit down and you can look at everything in the calm and you can get the players back again. I'm going to say they'll all be going away, urgently wanting it to come back and continue the season because that's the feeling you get, especially when you've just beat your biggest adversary and you've done it twice in a week sort of stuff. So you're taking that to international level and international managers will love that.”

Why is Rommens’ return important to Rangers?

In the absence of Rommens, new signing Penrice has been tasked with defending Rangers’ left hand side and has been moved into midfield at times during McInnes’ tactical tweaks. The success of the Scotsman means Rommens may find it hard to reclaim his spot in the starting XI once back to match sharpness. However, according to Hateley, his return from injury alone can help take some weight off Penrice’s shoulders.

He continued: “Then coming back, Derek will be working on other players that have been sidelined. Rommens, just for example, the amount of work and running that Penrice has got through in his period. It would be nice now to be able to bring Rommens back into certain games and Penrice into certain games or playing them both together. Now that option opens up for him over this break.”

(Hateley was speaking in association with betTOM. The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly)