The games are coming thick and fast for Glasgow Rangers following the end of the World Cup break, with Michael Beale’s side back in action in the Premiership tonight.
That intriguing clash comes just days after the Ibrox outfit clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over Hibernian in the new manager’s first game in charge, with the Light Blues having twice come from behind to seal all three points on home soil.
The major news ahead of tonight’s encounter away to Aberdeen is that vice-captain Connor Goldson is in line to make his return to the fold, as per BBC, with the commanding centre-back having been absent since sustaining an injury in the 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool in October.
Former Rangers right-back Alan Hutton had suggested at the time that it was a “huge blow” for the Gers to have lost the Englishman’s presence in the backline, with the £37k-per-week defender having been a real “leader” for the club in recent years.
By the same token, welcoming the 30-year-old back into the fold should well represent a ‘huge’ lift as far as the Old Firm giants are concerned, particularly with Beale’s men having looked all at sea in that dismal first half last time out.
That shambolic start to proceedings against Hibs saw potential Rangers transfer target Ryan Porteous head to the net early on having been given the freedom of the penalty area, with the hosts potentially lacking the towering 6 foot 4 presence of Goldson in the box.
The makeshift centre-back partnership of John Lundstram and James Sands was then caught out as Hibs restored their lead just seconds after Fashion Sakala’s equaliser, with the shaky defensive pairing having failed to deal with a straight ball over the top which fell to the feet of Kevin Nisbet.
Lundstram in particular appeared to have something of a “shocker” on the night – in the words of journalist Josh Bunting – with the former Sheffield United man having looked distinctly uncomfortable away from his usual midfield berth.
While Rangers went on to hit back after half-time against the Edinburgh side to claim victory, it will still be a real blessing for Beale to be able to slot Goldson into the heart of the defence, with the “outstanding” colossus – as described by former Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst – having been sorely missed of late.
One of the “pillars” of the team – in the words of Van Bronckhorst – the former Brighton and Hove Albion rock could well provide some much-needed stability for Rangers against Jim Goodwin’s side at Pittodrie tonight.