Let’s get one thing straight from the start. If it wasn’t for Jon McLaughlin ’s second-half save with his feet last Tuesday night in Belgium, Rangers would already be out of the Champions League.
If the first leg had gone 3-0 in favour of Union Saint-Gilloise, it would have been all over. So credit to him, he had to make that save and he did. Unfortunately, though, that was McLaughlin redeeming himself for the opening goal he conceded on the night. He’ll know himself he should have done a lot better.
On Tuesday night at Ibrox for the return leg, I expect McLaughlin to start in goal again. And this is when he really needs to show that he’s capable of being Rangers No.1. He has been given backing and a vote of confidence from his manager, Gio van Bronckhorst, who has handed him the jersey. To get the nod in a Champions League qualifier – when we all know what’s at stake in these games – was huge.
It must have been a major boost to his confidence. It was confirmation that he’s going to be the main man between the sticks this season. But while Rangers have a world class goalkeeper, Allan McGregor, sitting in reserve, question marks over Gio’s selection won’t go away.
I’ve made no secret of the fact I believe McGregor should still be the club’s first choice. For 15 years, there has been compelling evidence of him making big saves in big games, saves that win precious points or European ties.
I’m talking about genuine, match-winning stops. So for McLaughlin and the manager, it’s a problem having a keeper of McGregor’s quality – and status within the club – on the bench. Every time a goal is conceded, the question will be asked: “Would Allan McGregor have saved that?”
It’s not fair on McLaughlin, I understand that. But that’s the reality of playing at Rangers Football Club, when there are boys of that calibre not getting a game.
This season, Gio will constantly be quizzed on it. It will always be there. It’s a bit like Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent having only a year left on their contracts.
He’ll be asked about that until they’ve either signed a new one or left the club. It’s the same now with the goalkeeper situation.
If you have a top-class goalie as a sub, people have the right to ask if you’re picking the best team for Rangers. How do the defenders feel knowing that a guy who’s played behind them for a few years, now isn’t there?
I’d bet that Connor Goldson and Co have felt pretty safe for years playing in front of McGregor. Clearly, Giovanni believes he is picking his best team right now with McLaughlin in it. And ultimately, that’s all that matters.
But for those looking in, we’re yet to be convinced. And that’s why we’re asking the question. Another guy who has to stand up and be counted on Tuesday night is Antonio Colak. If Morelos isn’t fit enough to start, the big Croat will get another chance up front.
And now would be a good time for him to reproduce what he did for Malmo against Rangers a year ago. We witnessed what he’s capable of that night but have we seen it in a blue shirt yet? No.
In his first two competitive games there wasn’t a lot of space to operate in and Colak had to feed off scraps. Getting off the mark at home to Kilmarnock yesterday will have given him a shot of confidence.
But he could still be doing a bit more to get himself involved. Even if it’s with his movement to make it easier or create space for forward runners.
The problem for Rangers though, against Livingston in the first half and for 90 minutes against Union, is that no one has been moving.
It’s been far too static and that needs to change on Tuesday night. When you’re only touching the ball four times in a half, as Colak did at Livingston, you’re not doing enough to get into the game.
When a chance comes along in the box, you’re not sharp because you’ve not touched the ball in 20 minutes. Irrespective of how Colak does, I expect Morelos to have some sort of impact against the Belgians after scoring on his comeback yesterday.
Even if he’s coming off the bench again, if it’s 1-0 Rangers and there’s a goal to be had, a tie to go and win, Morelos will expect to be the man who does it. Ever since he arrived at the club, he’s scored goals on the big European stage.
If he comes on when this tie is still alive, he could have a huge impact, not only with his ability. It’s also the energy he would bring to the entire stadium. It would go through the roof.
So he’ll definitely have a role to play. Just like the rest of the Rangers fans, I’m wondering, can Ibrox be the energy centre it was last year in those Europa League knock-out ties against the likes of Dortmund, Braga and Leipzig?
Can the players energise the crowd by starting right, being aggressive and having shots at goal? In every home game last season, it felt like Rangers scored within the first 15 minutes of these ties. That gets the crowd going, which in turn inspires the players.
And you know what else it does? It spooks opponents. It certainly did last season on that run to the Europa League Final. It HAS to be that way on Tuesday night if they’re to have a chance of going through.
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