Former players praise the depth and talent within the Rangers squad as they prepare for upcoming challenges
Category: Sports
As Rangers prepare for their upcoming fixtures, the club's attacking options have received glowing endorsements from former players and analysts alike. Andy Halliday highlighted the "beauty" of the Rangers attack following recent performances, particularly praising the contributions of Ryan Naderi, Bojan Miovski, and Kevin Kelsy. This assessment comes in light of a growing concern surrounding Lawrence Shankland’s form as the team looks to regain its competitive edge.
Martyn Waghorn, a former Ibrox forward, expressed his approval of the depth in Rangers' strike force, noting that the club is moving in the right direction under manager Derek McInnes. With Shankland and Youssef Chermiti still sidelined due to injury, Waghorn believes the available options are a positive sign for the club’s ambitions. He noted, "The size of Rangers speaks for itself. We’ve got to be competing. We have to be challenging for trophies, there’s no getting away from that fact." This sentiment reflects the high expectations that come with playing for one of Scotland's most storied clubs.
Rangers' recent performances have showcased a revitalized attack, with players like Naderi and Miovski stepping up in key moments. Naderi, who recently made his debut for the Czech national team, has been turning heads with his aggressive playing style and physicality. During a match against Spain on October 3, 2026, he made an immediate impact, helping set up a goal and nearly scoring himself, only for a late equalizer to be disallowed due to a foul. Karel Poborsky, a former Manchester United star, praised Naderi's relentless work ethic, calling him a "classic, rugged island number nine" who brings a unique edge to the team.
Miovski, who has seen limited playtime, made headlines by scoring a decisive goal against St Mirren, underscoring the importance of depth in the squad. Meanwhile, Kevin Kelsy has also impressed in recent outings, contributing to the team's positive results before the international break. This depth is particularly important as the team continues to navigate injuries to key players like Shankland and Chermiti.
As Rangers look to build on their recent successes, the pressure to compete for trophies remains high. Waghorn emphasized the necessity for the club to challenge for silverware, stating, "We should have won more but that’s the nature of the beast. You win some, you lose some, and it’s up to the new manager now." His comments highlight the balancing act that comes with a strong squad; the expectation to deliver results is constant.
McInnes has been tasked with managing the current squad and making strategic decisions in the upcoming transfer window. Reports indicate that Rangers may revisit a deal for Casper Widell, with sources indicating a potential move in January. The club's ability to secure additional talent could bolster their chances of success in the second half of the season.
With the international break behind them, Rangers will soon resume their domestic campaign. The team will be looking to capitalize on the momentum generated by recent performances, particularly as Naderi returns from international duty high on confidence. His recent acclaim could serve as a motivator for the entire squad as they prepare for their next matches.
As the club continues to navigate the challenges of injuries and competition, the focus will remain on fostering a winning mentality. Waghorn's observations about the team's progress and the necessity of competing for trophies resonate with the fans' expectations. Rangers are set to face Kilmarnock in their next match, and securing a win will be imperative to maintaining their upward momentum.
As the season progresses, the development of players like Naderi and the return of injured stars like Shankland will be closely monitored. The upcoming fixtures will be a true test of the squad's depth and resilience, and the hope is that the team can rise to the occasion and deliver the results that their storied history demands.
With the transfer window approaching, fans are eager to see how McInnes will shape the squad moving forward, particularly with the potential for new signings that could strengthen an already impressive lineup. The coming weeks will be telling as Rangers aim to solidify their status as a title contender.