OPINION
Rangers gaffer Steven Gerrard is one step closer to knowing his preferred first XI following the Gers behind closed doors friendly with The New Saints on Tuesday.
Speaking in the lead up to the friendly fixture, Gerrard revealed that there were opportunities to land first-team places with an impressive display versus the Welsh outfit (TNS).
“I know TNS will give us a test and I know they will be physical, they’ll cause us different situations that we’ll have to deal with, but this is about us and our preparation,” Gerrard told the club website.
“It’s competitive and it’s an opportunity to put a marker down to me to say, ‘I want one of those shirts, one to 11, I want to play.”
The Gers went on to thrash TNS 3-1, with Serge Atakayi, Jamie Murphy and Ross McCrorie all finding the net in what was Gerrard’s first 90 minutes as the Rangers boss.
The fixture was crucial for the Gers in the lead up to their upcoming Europa League qualifier versus Shkupi on the 12th of July, as TNS are also a team qualifying for the competition.
At face value, this would have given Gerrard a better idea of who he wants to field versus the Macedonian side, but it will also go a long way as to boost the players’ confidence ahead of the game.
Up next for the Gers is Bury on Friday, which could go so far as to all but confirm Gerrard’s first XI, but those who impressed versus TNS are one step closer to earning that starting role.