OPINION
Rangers’ entire fanbase should be thrilled to know that Aberdeen will be without Sam Cosgrove when the two sides meet at Ibrox on Tuesday night.
Derek McInnes’ men travel to Glasgow for the replay of their Scottish Cup quarter-final, as the original tie finished 1-1 at Pittodrie with Cosgrove scoring for the Dons on that occasion.
However the 22-year-old forward was also booked in that game, which was his second in the Scottish Cup this season, meaning that he is suspended for the replay at Ibrox this week.
It is a major boost for Rangers and a crushing blow for Aberdeen, especially as Cosgrove has scored 18 goals and supplied five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season.
Steven Gerrard understands how much of a blow it is for Tuesday’s opponents.
“Cosgrove is a good player and I’m sure Aberdeen are disappointed he will be missing but I’m focused on our players,” said Gerrard, as quoted by Rangers’ official Twitter account on Monday morning.
??SG: Cosgrove is a good player and I'm sure Aberdeen are disappointed he will be missing but I'm focused on our players.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 11, 2019
Rangers’ defence was a mess against Hibernian on Friday night so some of the pressure will be relieved off them without Cosgrove to mark.
The bulky target man has been a nuisance for defenders in the Scottish Premiership all season, especially those at Ibrox having scored three goals against them this season.
Joe Worrall’s form has improved lately but Connor Goldson and James Tavernier have both showed huge defensive lapses in recent games, so Aberdeen being weakened could mean that they will have a better game than expected.
Of course, Rangers need to focus on what they’re doing more than anything and they can’t let this Cosgrove news seep any complacency in the team ahead of the quarter-final replay.
However Gers fans have to admit, it’s nice to know that McInnes will be without one of his most dangerous weapons on Tuesday night.