Ahead of Danny Rohl’s first Old Firm derby in charge, Rangers have been handed a fresh injury concern courtesy of Derek Cornelius, according to ex-Scotland striker James McFadden.
The Gers officially have lift off under their new manager, who’s won two of the three games that he’s had in charge. Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Hibernian was the German’s best result yet, as Danilo continued his recent form by scoring what proved to be the winning goal in the fifth minute.
It was an evening to savour for the goalscorer, but also for Jack Butland. The shot-stopper summed up Rangers’ recent change in fortune by saving Jamie McGrath’s late penalty.
The Gers will be hoping for similar luck this weekend when they square off against Celtic in Rohl’s first Old Firm derby. With a place in the Scottish League Cup final up for grabs, it’s set to be as intense as it gets in Glasgow.
After what Rohl saw against Hibs, however, it’s a game that Rangers should be ready for. The new manager told reporters: “I must say, in the second half the tactical discipline.
“It was not always possible to press high. But we understand the game more, and understood they are a transition team and we were compact.
“What we have to improve is when we have the ball. Our own transition moments. But we need more than one part of the game.
“For me it’s about winning games and we did this.
“Today we saw a team that is running for each other to be a unit and be connected and had fighting spirit, which is fantastic to see.”
That said, the Scottish giants may be forced to go on without one of their starting defenders against Celtic following the latest concern about Cornelius’ fitness.
McFadden shares Cornelius injury concern for Rangers
Speaking on Open Goal earlier this week, former Scotland striker McFadden revealed that he’s “not sure” if Cornelius will be fit for the Celtic game after coming off with a swollen eye late on against Hibs.
“Cornelius came off, didn’t he? His eye was swollen. So whether he’s fit or not, I’m not sure.”
It would be quite the blow for Rangers and the defender if he did miss such an important game. Since Rohl’s introduction, the 27-year-old has started every game in the Scottish Premiership and has barely put a foot wrong.
Previously described as “brilliant” by his ex-coach and current pundit Robert Earnshaw, Cornelius is quickly becoming an important player at Rangers, but they now face the prospect of playing their biggest game without him.
In his place, Rohl could turn towards young centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez, who has made just three appearances in all competitions this season. It would be quite the game to come into against Celtic, but Rangers may be left with little choice.
The best-case scenario for the Gers will, of course, be some good news for Cornelius and another start for the impressive centre-back this weekend.
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