John Souttar and Ridvan Yilmaz were both handed starts in a bid to get more game time into their legs after long Rangers injury absences.
Souttar was a late sub in the weekend's 3-1 win over Kilmarnock after being sidelines since the first week of the season with an ankle injury. The former Hearts star made the switch to Ibrox in the summer, but his injury troubles followed him along the M8 as life in Govan was put on hold with more surgery required. He's now working towards fighting for a first team starting spot and after his brief cameo against Killie, was given 45 minutes in the B team derby before being withdrawn at half-time.
Yilmaz was a summer signing from Besiktas but has also found regular fitness and games hard to come by at Rangers. He hasn't featured since a win over Aberdeen back in October with a hamstring issue. But he too was handed 45 minutes along with Souttar against Celtic.
The young Gers' fortunes changed for the worse after the pair went off. Celtic hit their rivals with a quickfire double whammy after half-time, Joey dawson giving them the lead on 48 minutes before Mackenzie Carse doubled the advantage two minutes later. A dream 17 minutes for the Hoops was completed when Dawson claimed a double. Ross McCausland pulled one back for the hosts but it wasn't enough for them to stage a comeback.
Helander heading home?
Filip Helander is another who has struggled with injury this season, and with his contract up in the summer, looks to be on his way out of Ibrox. And he could return to former club Malmo after their sporting director dropped an interesting transfer hint.
Daniel Andersson suggested that the club were keeping tabs on helander's situation and are weighing up a potential summer swoop on a free transfer for the Sweden international. Michael Beale has challenged Helander to prove his fitness and a new deal could yet be offered by Rangers. But the 29-year-old will likely find himself behind Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and Souttar in the pecking order for centre-back slots.
Andersson admitted they keep an eye on all former players. But Helander seems like a realistic signing option.
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