Lee McCulloch has suggested that Steven Gerrard should axe Connor Goldson from his defence ahead of Rangers’ clash against Villarreal at Ibrox on Thursday night.
The Light Blues really need to win the game in order to keep Europa League qualification in their own hands after they lost their first European game of the season to Spartak Moscow before the international break.
And McCulloch believes that Rangers’ best chance of a win is by Gareth McAuley and Joe Worrall starting together in the centre of defence and not Goldson, who has played in all but two games across all competitions this season.
“Goldson and [Nikola] Katic are young and have plenty of time on their side, as does Worrall. I thought Worrall was excellent in the last European game against Spartak Moscow at Ibrox, and perhaps him and McAuley would be the pairing I would opt for in such a crucial match as Thursday night’s encounter with Villarreal undoubtedly is,” said McCulloch on the Glasgow Evening Times website.
OPINION
Worrall has played well every now and then this season and McAuley, at 38-years-of-age, has looked brilliant since Gerrard has started playing him more regularly – but neither of them should be forcing Goldson out of the team. Goldson has been untouchable in Gerrard’s starting line-up this season for a good reason. The former Brighton defender is by far and away the club’s most reliable centre-back. His performances have not been spectacular lately, but they do not need to be. Worrall is prone to a mistake and McAuley’s recent injury and fitness issues means that he is going to struggle to play twice in a week. The ex-West Brom defender is very good for his age but there’s no point beating around the bush here, he is more than likely too old to play every game. Goldson and Worrall will probably get the nod to start against Villarreal and based on their overall form this season and recent performances, that is probably the best way to go.