'Never my intention' - Rangers boss clears up Fashion Sakala exit talk after Zambian impresses in St Mirren win

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst was able to derive particular satisfaction from the performances of Ben Davies and Fashion Sakala as St Mirren were swept aside 4-0 at Ibrox.

The headline act may have appeared two-goal Antonio Colak, but the Dutchman had reason to be pleased with the supporting roles played by the English centre-back and the forward played on the right, who capped his first league start with a late goal.

The £4m summer signing from Liverpool Davies has now started each of Rangers’ past three games following injury troubles that disrupted the early stages of his season. Rangers have yet to concede a goal in the three cinch Premiership games he has started, with the player acquitting himself decently in the 2-0 Champions League loss at his former home of Anfield in midweek. “Ben wasn't able to play in the beginning of the season but he is getting stronger and stronger,” said the Rangers manager.

“He was positive in midweek and he was positive again today. It is good to have him because he provided us with strength.”

Sakala, meanwhile, offered the possibility of another option in what has become a problem area on the right of attack for the Ibrox club with a confident second half display. It could place him in line for deployment in this berth for the return meeting with Jurgen Klopp’s men on Wednesday. The forward confessed post-match he had become frustrated with lack of game time and effectively admitted van Bronckhorst wouldn’t consider him for a central striker position. Yet, the Rangers manager maintained he had no intention of offloading the amiable Zambian in the close season, despite much speculation on that front.

"We never wanted Fashion to leave,” said the Dutchman. “He was talking about his future, like all the players, but it was never my intention to let Fashion go.

“He came in midweek and did well and we wanted to give him a chance. I thought he was really good and did what we expected. We are now able to use the speed we have up front. It makes it so much easier when we have strength in depth in attack.”

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