Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson has promised significant changes to his starting lineup as the Glasgow side prepares to host Athletic Club in Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first leg at Ibrox.
Following a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Hibernian last weekend—Rangers' fifth consecutive loss at Ibrox—Ferguson has made it clear that several underperforming players face the axe ahead of the crucial European fixture.
Although, the raging former club captain reckons he's already found an XI that can defeat the Bilbao-based outfit.
"You'll see 75 minutes before. You'll see when the team comes out. You'll see when the game starts. There will be some changes - you will need to wait and see tomorrow night," Ferguson told reporters at Wednesday's pre-match press conference. "There are places up for grabs, you have to earn the right."
The interim boss, who took charge in February after a string of poor results led to Philippe Clement's dismissal, has been left frustrated by below-par performances from several key players, including goalkeeper Jack Butland, whose recent high-profile errors have cost the team valuable points.
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Ferguson made no attempt to hide his dissatisfaction with the current squad's performances and emphasised his willingness to make tough selection decisions.
"There are some difficult decisions and I am not afraid to make them," Ferguson stated firmly. "I have the eleven I think I can win tomorrow night."
The Rangers faithful will be eager to see which players make way as Ferguson attempts to arrest the alarming slide in form at Ibrox.
The quarter-final represents a crucial opportunity for the club to salvage something from a disappointing domestic campaign, with European success potentially offering a route into next season's Champions League.
And Ferguson's team selection come Thursday evening could prove telling in terms of which individuals do and don't have a future at Rangers beyond the current season.
