Michael Beale has named his Rangers starting team to face Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
The Light Blues boss had a big pre-match decision to make over key defender Connor Goldson and Ryan Kent after revealing in his press conference earlier this week that the duo had returned to training and it was a case of waiting and see how they reacted. The good news for the Ibrox faithful is BOTH players have been deemed ready for starting roles at Hampden this afternoon.
It's a huge match for the men from Govan as they bid to keep hopes of lifting silverware alive this season, while they know victory would also deny Ange Postecoglou and his troops the chance to win a domestic Treble this campaign. Rangers are the current holders of the famous old trophy and will be going all out to make sure they don't lose their grip on it. Inverness Caley Thistle watch on as they wait to find out who they will face back in Mount Florida on June 3 in the end of season showpiece.
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Speaking ahead of the derby blockbuster, Beale said: “It is a huge game, we know that the season has been a rough ride for the fans, and this is a chance for us to put a few wrongs right in this game.
“It is just one game, but I think it could have a big impact on the season if we were to win and get back to a Scottish Cup final again - we just need to bring the best version of ourselves.
“The games have been reasonably tight, and they have been won and lost on mistakes and it is important we bring our best effort and our best performance. In the game a couple of weeks ago I thought we performed overall quite well but we just need to eradicate one or two things defensively.
“These players have won these games before and have gone on long runs of being unbeaten in these games so we will see where we are after Sunday. I think it will be a fantastic atmosphere that will showcase Scottish football in a great way.
“There will be a lot of colour, a lot of noise in the stadium and having the 50/50 split of fans will make it a fantastic atmosphere for the players on the pitch but also everybody watching and inside the stadium."
RANGERS XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Lundstram, Raskin, Cantwell, Tillman, Kent, Morelos.
Subs: McLaughlin, Ridvan, Hagi, Souttar, Matondo, Kamara, Wright, Fashion JR, Arfield
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