There is a real lack of flair and pace in the sides McCoist has picked and results have suffered because of this. Naismith’s absence hurts the team, but McCoist still has a squad of players capable of producing much better performances and results.
After the defeat at Parkhead, Rangers are now behind Celtic in the SPL for the first time in months. Results have to improve quickly, or McCoist will come under increasing pressure, and may not see out the season as Rangers manager.
January will be a big month for the club. Several Premier League clubs have been linked with Jelavic, the SPL’s top goalscorer, captain Steven Davis has also been linked with a move, and although the sale of both those players would give McCoist money to spend, it would be a big ask to find capable replacements in the difficult January window.
But even if both players remain at the club, more players are required. Where Rangers really need to strengthen is up front. Jelavic has not been as deadly as he was in his first season in Scottish football, but has still scored 12 league goals. But after him, Rangers options are less reliable.
Lafferty appeared to be forming a strong partnership with Jelavic at the end of last season, but he has again suffered various injuries and inconsistent form, a recurring theme in his Rangers career so far. He has 6 league goals, and is certainly the best option to partner Jelavic. Rangers other striking options are David Healy and Kane Hemmings. Hemmings is 20 and although highly rated, has yet to score for the club and has suffered badly with injuries. Healy offers little and is well past his best.
Without Naismith in the side, Rangers have struggled badly. They are now 2 points behind Celtic, but there are two more Old Firm matches to play. Rangers are still in the title race, but they are going to have to come to terms with the loss of Naismith sooner rather than later if they want to stay there.
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And have celtic not had to deal with injuries??? The loss of the spl player of the year no less, not to mention hardly ever being able to play the same back four for 2 games in a row. Excuse, excuses.
Who’s talking about Celtic? This is an article about Rangers and one of their key players.
its not all due to naismith being injured but also allys dreadful signings there is no one that can step into his naisys boots but indeed we have missed his energy and goals
No doubt Rangers miss him badly but he brought it on himself. Your comment “Stretching to make a challenge, his foot planted awkwardly and he went down in agony” is disingenious David, he tried to take out the Aberdeen player and ended up injuring himself. http://i44.tinypic.com/1zd6h40.jpg
It was a horror tackle. He plays with alot of aggression, which makes him the player he is, but there is a higher risk of doing yourself as well when you tackle like that………and he did himself. Hopefully if he comes back he will have had time to reflect……meditate or something……and stop such dangerous behaviour.
I hope he gets better, in his body and mind.
It does not matter, Argentinean Star Juan Manoel Martinez will join Gers this xfer window to replace Naismith as my mate who is a taxi driver drove his agent to Ibrox…