'Surprising bench': Rangers fans react to Steven Gerrard's team selection - including substitute roles for Nathan Patterson, Bongani Zungu and Calvin Bassey

Rangers fans were split on the return to the bench for three players following their breach of COVID-19 protocols.

Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard has selected his team to face Royal Antwerp at Ibrox. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Calvin Bassey, Nathan Patterson and Bongani Zungu apologised to fans on RangersTV earlier this week and were included on the bench for the Europa League second leg match against Royal Antwerp.

Fans had their say on their inclusion – and on Steven Gerrard’s team aiming to make a second consecutive appearance in the competition’s last 16.

Rangers starting XI to face Royal Antwerp at Ibrox in Europa League last 32, second leg

Max Tødd: “Surprising bench!... but let’s move on. Let’s do this Bears.”

Chris Kattou: “I was angry too that they’re back in, but the more I think about it, they now know it's their last chance, they’ll be hungry to fight for the jersey, if they don't produce the goods , then Gerrard will know they ain't worth keeping.”

Gillian Ferguson: “They shouldn’t be anywhere near the team let alone the bench.”

Gary Weatherall: “Starting 11 is bang on but those three should be nowhere near our bench.”

@caluju: “I did think Patterson might be on the bench tonight - out with SFA purview - but Zungu I never saw that coming.”

@gs__94: “Feel for Jones and Edmondson now that they were made to leave but doors still open for the other three, onto the next round but.”

Stuart James Galbraith: “Great squad. Nice to see the young lads back in the mix.”

@tarmstrong98: “Probably the strongest team we could go with.”

@JRiH2020: “Race into a 2-0 lead so we can give Wright some game time.”

Arron Dick: “Would have had Wright on instead of Hagi, but then again Hagi always produces on nights like these.....Ready? Aye ready!”

Ian Pettigrew: “We look lightweight in midfield, hope I'm wrong and SG gets it right again.”

Alex Rfc Coombes: “We're gonna miss Tavernier at right back but I'm fully confident in Balogun when he came on in Belgium the lad did well at right back.”

Lesley McLatchie: “I’m so excited. I reckon goldson for the first goal of the evening with Barisic the provider.”

And Barry Pyrah added: “Love the kick off time even UEFA know the script!”

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