Rangers’ new signings, like Robin Propper, Vaclav Cerny, and Jefte, are getting their first taste of festive football as they prepare for a Boxing Day clash with St Mirren. While Christmas is typically a time for family and relaxation, these players, along with the entire Rangers squad, will be in a hotel, undergoing pre-match training, and receiving detailed briefings on St Mirren’s key threats ahead of the crucial fixture.
Saint Nick may be taking a break, but Rangers boss Philippe Clement certainly won’t be, as the pressure mounts for him and his team to deliver a strong performance on this busy holiday match day. The clash at St Mirren could be a defining moment in their campaign, and the new recruits will need to hit the ground running.
Philippe Clement is fully aware that squad rotation will be crucial for Rangers’ success during a demanding stretch of 11 games between now and February. With fixtures coming thick and fast, managing player fitness and form will be key to surviving this unforgiving period.
Clement will be pleased to have Ross McCausland back available, adding depth to his squad, while the returns of Danilo and Ianis Hagi provide him with additional options in attack. The Ibrox boss will be hoping that these reinforcements help alleviate the strain on his team as they push for crucial results in both domestic and European competitions.
St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson, speaking in his own press conference, couldn’t help but acknowledge the considerable strength in depth at Rangers under Philippe Clement. While Robinson’s squad faces challenges, Rangers are enjoying a wealth of options, particularly with the return of Ianis Hagi and Danilo.
Clement himself has referred to Hagi as “like a new signing,” after the Romanian finally resolved his contract dispute. With both Hagi and Danilo now back in action, the Ibrox manager has even more attacking options to choose from, adding an extra layer of quality and depth to an already strong squad as they head into a busy period.
Danilo, a £5 million signing from Feyenoord, has proven to be a significant addition to the Rangers squad. Along with Ianis Hagi, who was also unavailable during their 2-1 victory over St Mirren two months ago, Danilo’s return adds much-needed firepower to Philippe Clement’s team.
St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson, reflecting on the upcoming Boxing Day clash, admitted that the task ahead looks far more daunting than it did in October. Back then, Rangers were struggling with a number of key absentees and were in the midst of a difficult run of form, with three defeats in six games. With both Danilo and Hagi back in contention, Robinson faces a much tougher challenge in trying to contain a rejuvenated Rangers side.
Stephen Robinson, the St Mirren boss, acknowledged the significant improvements in Rangers’ squad ahead of their Boxing Day clash. Reflecting on the changes, Robinson said:
“The personnel has certainly changed. They are getting players back to fitness, as well. They’ve got Hagi back again. They have got Danilo back to fitness again. It’s a very good squad, there’s no doubting that. They’ve got very good players.”
Robinson went on to praise his own team’s recent progress, highlighting the confidence they are carrying into the game following a strong performance against Rangers in their last encounter, which helped kickstart their own positive run.
“So, it’s a big, big test for us. We played them recently. We had a really, really good performance during a bad run we were on as well. That’s kind of catapulted us into a good run ourselves. We’ve got belief going into the game. We believe we can get something out of the game.
“We believe we can go and play with confidence. We’ve not had a signature result for a long time. There is no reason why we cannot get points.”
Robinson’s words reflect a growing belief within the St Mirren squad, as they prepare to face a Rangers team that is gradually getting stronger with the return of key players.
Nedim Bajrami has been tipped to make the No. 10 role his own at Rangers, with manager Philippe Clement having several options at his disposal. Bajrami, who made an impression in the Scottish League Cup final with a brilliant opening goal against Celtic, is eager to secure a place in the starting lineup.
Clement currently has the flexibility to deploy Ianis Hagi or Danilo in the No. 10 role, offering him multiple attacking options behind Rangers’ strikers, Cyriel Dessers or the in-form Hamza Igamane. However, Bajrami, with his dynamic and creative style of play, is certainly hoping to cement his spot in this key position.
As for Hagi, recent speculation regarding his future, particularly links with Genoa, has raised questions, but Clement is keen to keep the squad intact. The competition for the No. 10 spot is fierce, but Bajrami’s recent performances have shown that he is ready to step up and challenge for a regular place in the team.
Philippe Clement has tasked Nedim Bajrami with offering versatility in attack, capable of playing both through the middle and on either flank. This flexibility allows Rangers to adapt their game, with Bajrami showing that he can provide a creative spark wherever he’s placed.
Rangers legend Barry Ferguson believes that Bajrami is most effective in the number ten role, where his intelligence and quick thinking shine. Ferguson praised Bajrami’s movement and awareness, particularly when he scored against Celtic. Instead of merely making a pass and waiting, Bajrami was alert to the possibility of a rebound, positioning himself perfectly for a tap-in when Kasper Schmeichel spilled the shot. Ferguson feels this kind of awareness, alongside Bajrami’s growing influence in the middle, justifies his £3 million price tag.
Meanwhile, speculation linking Ianis Hagi with a move to Genoa in Serie A has been downplayed by the player’s agent, ensuring that Hagi’s focus remains on his role at Rangers despite the rumors.