OPINION
Rangers began their Europa League campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Villareal on Thursday evening in a significant result for Steven Gerrard and his side.
The Light Blues looked on course for a demoralising defeat after Carlos Bacca’s early opener, but went on to fight back twice to secure their first European point in seven years.
The manner of the draw will have pleased Gerrard as he watched his players work hard to get back into the game on two occasions, but there will be some areas of concern to ponder over heading into their league clash with St. Johnstone this weekend.
There were some dodgy performances across the park for the Gers, with some players failing to really show Gerrard that they merit a starting spot at this moment.
One of those who put in a disappointing display was winger Daniel Candeias, who has not been at his best all season for the Light Blues.
The Portuguese wide man did go on to register an assist for Scott Arfield’s opening goal, but that should not paper over the cracks of what was a poor display.
The misfiring 30-year-old was anonymous for much of the match, and failed to really make any sort of impact other than the assist for Arfield.
It has been a similar story for Candeias throughout this whole season so far, with the winger failing to rekindle the kind of form which endeared him to the Ibrox faithful last season.
This has not been for a want of trying, with Candeias always working hard for the team, but he really looks a shadow of his former self so far this term.
That assist against Villareal is the only tangible product of Candeias’ play in 11 games this term, and he unfortunately must now be axed for the visit of the Saints tomorrow.
The instant impact of youngster Glenn Middleton deserves reward, and Gerrard must now instate the 18-year-old in Candeias’ place at Ibrox on Sunday.