Ferguson’s Risky Gamble: Rangers Line-Up Raises Eyebrows Ahead of Europa League Clash
Barry Ferguson has rung the changes ahead of Rangers’ crucial Europa League quarter-final showdown against Athletic Club — but not everyone is convinced by his latest selection call.
With ten changes made from the disappointing 2-2 draw at Pittodrie, Ferguson is clearly aiming to inject fresh energy into his squad. But one decision in particular is drawing scrutiny: the choice to stick with Liam Kelly between the posts.
All Eyes on Bilbao
The Light Blues head into Thursday’s second leg in Bilbao after battling to a goalless draw at Ibrox on April 10 — a result that was made more impressive by the early dismissal of Robin Propper just 13 minutes into the match. Holding firm against a strong Athletic Club side was no small feat, but the return leg at San Mamés Barria promises to be a whole new level of challenge, especially with attacking threats like Inaki and Nico Williams in the mix.
Ferguson’s decision to revamp the starting XI isn’t surprising after a flat performance against Aberdeen, where Rangers found themselves two goals down before halftime and had Ross McCausland sent off before the break. Although Ianis Hagi salvaged a point with a late equaliser, the lacklustre showing meant players like Danilo, Findlay Curtis, and Oscar Cortes have now been dropped from the lineup.
Big Names Return — But One Major Question Mark
In their place, Ferguson has restored experienced figures like James Tavernier, Vaclav Cerny, Cyriel Dessers, and Hagi to the fold — a clear sign that he’s going all in for a result in Europe.
But the decision to stick with Kelly in goal, after his shaky display against Aberdeen, could prove costly. With Jack Butland available and hungry to prove himself, many expected the former England international to get the nod in such a pivotal fixture. Instead, Ferguson is putting his faith in a keeper who’s struggling to convince.
Season Hangs in the Balance
With Celtic pulling away in the Scottish Premiership and only a handful of games left, Rangers’ best hope of silverware — and Ferguson’s hopes of turning his interim job into a permanent gig — may rest on success in the Europa League.
That’s what makes the decision to sideline Butland all the more puzzling. In a game of this magnitude, it’s a bold call — and if things don’t go to plan in Bilbao, it could be one Ferguson lives to regret.