Kemar Roofe could be in line for a starring Rangers role at Hampden as his comeback times nicely for Michael Beale with Antonio Colak a doubt for their clash with Aberdeen. But it's still likely to be Alfredo Morelos who gets the nod up top against the Dons.
Gers travel to the southside of Glasgow looking to book a return date against rivals Celtic and Beale insists a win is a must to put themselves in with a chance of silverware. He's picked a settled lineup so far but with his squad fast approaching full strength, he'll soon have one or two big decisions to make.
John Souttar isn't ready yet and neither is Tom Lawrence while Colak is also a doubt having come off at half-time against Dundee United. Beale said: "John Souttar trained all week and is ahead of schedule, this week is too soon and expect him around the squad for St Johnstone which is good news. Colak had a slight problem and is touch and go for this weekend. Roofe is ready to go, he is a really high-quality player."
And on Roofe, he added: “The way I have set the team up I have left a big hole for Kemar to come back. If Kemar can get fit and healthy he will come into a team and he will slot right in. Kemar is extremely frustrated. But he is a really outgoing kid, a bubbly character and a leader.
“Three or four weeks ago, he was the best player in training by a distance. But the day before the game he had a calf problem. It was devastating for me and the team. I spoke to the media about what we are doing then you look like a fool as the rug gets pulled from underneath you.
"I am optimistic about Kemar, but the proof will be in the pudding. He has aims here and he is incredibly frustrated he couldn’t impact us more. He feels if he is fit he can make a huge impact on how successful we are."
Predicted Rangers lineup
Provisional Rangers squad
Goalkeepers
Robby McCrorie
Allan McGregor
Jon McLaughlin
Defenders
James Tavernier
Borna Barisic
Adam Devine
Ben Davies
Connor Goldson
James Sands
Leon King
Midfielders
- Ryan Jack
Glen Kamara
John Lundstram
Malik Tillman
Scott Arfield
Ryan Kent
Scott Wright
Fashion Sakala
Forwards
Alfredo Morelos
Antonio Colak
Kemar Roofe
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