Which Rangers fringe players could be given the chance to shine against Falkirk?

So far this season, Steven Gerrard has successfully and seamlessly managed to rotate his squad to meet Rangers’ commitments both domestically and in Europe.

Greg Stewart in action during his only starting appearance for Rangers so far this season when they played Lincoln Red Imps in a Europa League qualifier in September. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

After a draining 90 minutes for many of his key men in the 2-2 draw against Benfica at Ibrox on Thursday night, the Rangers manager is likely to make even more changes than he has previously to his starting line-up for Sunday’s Betfred Cup round of 16 tie at Falkirk.

Gerrard won’t take the challenge posed by the League 1 leaders lightly. While the Premiership title race is his clear priority this season, he is not in a position to play fast and loose with any opportunity to end Rangers’ decade-long wait for major silverware.

But Sunday is a day when Gerrard will hope some of those players who have been on the fringes of his first team squad can step up to the plate and prove they have a significant role to play in the rest of the campaign.

Among those who will hope for an opportunity to shine is Greg Stewart. The 30-year-old forward has made just three appearances this season and has not featured since his only start in the Europa League qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar on September 17. With Kemar Roofe, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent all in line to be rested, Stewart may be handed a role in the front three where veteran striker Jermain Defoe is expected to return and lead the line. Cedric Itten could complete the trio.

Jon McLaughlin is expected to deputise for Allan McGregor in goal and there will also be change across the back four. Gerrard had planned to give 19-year-old right-back Nathan Patterson his first start of the season but he is still self-isolating after being identified as a close contact of those who tested positive for coronavirus during Scotland under-21s’ trip to Greece.

Calvin Bassey is likely to come in at left-back, while Filip Helander could return in central defence. In midfield, Bongani Zungu’s return to training on Friday means the South African international is in contention for his first starting appearance, while Ianis Hagi and Brandon Barker should be involved.

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