Rangers confirmed starting XI vs Hibs: 5 changes as returning star handed first start in nine months, Miovski absent
Danny Rohl has named his starting line-up to face Hibs in their latest Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox this evening
Danny Rohl has named his Rangers starting XI to face fifth-placed Hibs in their latest Scottish Premiership encounter at Ibrox Stadium (7.45pm UK).
The Light Blues have hit a rough patch after recording just one win in their last five outings and face another tricky opponent in David Gray’s side, who boast the second best attack in the league with 27 goals scored in 16 games.
Keeping clean sheets is fast becoming a major issue for the hosts ahead of what is likely to be another hugely entertaining contest between the two teams.
Team news: 5 changes, Sterling makes first start in nine months
Rohl has made FIVE changes to his Rangers team from the side that lost 2-1 to Hungarian champions Ferencvaros in the Europa League last Thursday.
Bojan Miovski is omitted from the matchday squad through injury, while James Tavernier, Nicolas Raskin, Djeidi Gassama and Danilo drop to the bench.
Youssef Chermiti gets the nod up front, with Dujon Sterling making his first competitive start in nine months after recovering from ACL surgery. Mohamed Diomande returns from suspension, while Mikey Moore and youngster Findlay Curtis are also drafted in from the start.
Goalkeeper Jack Butland wears the captain’s armband and Kieran Dowell has been brought out of cold storage to fill a place among the substitutes due to injuries.
What has Connor Barron said pre-match?
“We’ve had decent performances and results in the league. Now the focus has to be completely on that. Three points is three points and it doesn’t matter where it comes.
“The progression’s been great (under Rohl). Everyone can see the positive signs. Obviously, Europe hasn’t been good enough, but in the league we’ve been really strong. The aim now is to keep pushing.”
With next summer’s FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the Scotland international revealed that personal targets have been set in the background - but emphasised that Rangers come first.
“Of course the World Cup in the summer is massive. But I’ve got to be playing well here and winning games for Rangers. That’s my full focus.”
Here's your confirmed starting XI’s ahead of tonight’s league clash in Govan...
Rangers XI:
Jack Butland (C); Max Aarons, Dujon Sterling, Nasser Djiga, Emmanuel Fernandez, Jayden Meghoma, Connor Barron, Mohamed Diomande, Mikey Moore, Findlay Curtis, Youssef Chermiti.
SUBS: Liam Kelly (GK), James Tavernier, Clinton Nsiala, Nicolas Raskin, Lyall Cameron, Thelo Aasgaard, Kieran Dowell, Djeidi Gassama, Danilo.
Hibernian XI:
Raphael Sallinger; Grant Hanley, Warren O’Hora (C), Elie Youan, Kieron Bowie, Chris Cadden, Jack Iredale, Jamie McGrath, Josh Mulligan, Jordan Obita, Dan Barlaser.