IN OR OUT?
An entire squad waits for the axe to fall as Caixinha plots his Rangers rebuild
WHO would you keep? This question has doubtless been repeated thousands of times among Rangers supporters assessing the fall-out from another Old Firm thrashing.
Many of them would likely offer free use of their own vehicles if it meant transporting certain players to new employers.
The hunger for wholesale change at Ibrox is both palpable and readily understandable.
That does not, however, mean that such a transformation can be easily attained.
While Pedro Caixinha is building a lengthy list of targets that will require funding, he also needs to clear space within the existing squad.
With only Clint Hill and Philippe Senderos out of contract this summer, that will be no easy task. The wages some are receiving at Ibrox provides a further obstacle.
‘It’s going to be difficult for Rangers,’ said former captain Barry Ferguson. ‘I see the manager saying there is going to be a lot of players coming in and a lot of players going out.
‘But a lot of players have got contracts to 2019 and another seven have contracts to 2020.
‘How are you going to get rid of them?
‘Teams will have to want to buy them. And are they going to give them the same wages they are receiving at Rangers? I find it worrying.
‘If I am being honest, I don’t see many of the guys leaving there.’
Here, Sportsmail casts an eye over the first-team pool at Rangers to consider the likelihood of summer departures.
WES FODERINGHAM
Contract expires 2019
First-choice goalkeeper has easily been one of their better performers this season — and perhaps the best signing Mark Warburton made — even if last Saturday wasn’t his finest 90 minutes. Could attract interest from England.
JAK ALNWICK
Contract expires 2020
Signed in January for £250,000 from Port Vale, the 23-year-old has yet to make an appearance but could be a natural successor to Foderingham.
JAMES TAVERNIER
Contract expires 2019
Rewarded for his excellent form in the promotion campaign with a new, improved deal but has found the step-up demanding. Linked with a Warburton reunion at Nottingham Forest.
LEE HODSON
Contract expires 2019
Northern Ireland international has largely played the role of backup full-back. Has two years left on his contract, with suggestions Charlton could be keen.
CLINT HILL
Contract expires 2017
The veteran centre-half has certainly not let Rangers down after arriving on a free transfer last summer. But the chance to free up a wage could see him leave.
ROB KIERNAN
Contract expires 2018 Another rewarded last summer but now approaching the final 12 months of his deal. Fulham were linked with interest in January before his fluctuating form crashed.
DANNY WILSON
Contract expires 2018
Has started six of the seven matches under Caixinha’s command. Unlikely to be near the top of an exit list, even if he will be glad to see the back of Celtic’s forward players for this season.
PHILIPPE SENDEROS
Contract expires 2017
A complete disaster of a signing made by Warburton at the end of the summer transfer window. Inevitable release will allow better deployment of his substantial salary.
DAVID BATES
Contract expires 2018
The 20-year-old centre-half, formerly with Raith Rovers, is likely to continue his development at Ibrox in the hope of building on recent first-team exposure.
LEE WALLACE
Captain missed the recent Old Firm beatings through injury but will form a key part of Caixinha’s plans moving forward.
MYLES BEERMAN
Contract expires 2018
The Maltese youngster has shown flickers of promise as Wallace’s understudy, but will have to absorb all the harsh lessons from his recent duels against Patrick Roberts.
ANDY HALLIDAY
Contract expires 2020
As a Rangers fan, Halliday’s commitment to the cause isn’t questioned. This has, however, been a season of few postives for the 26-year-old midfielder, who was given an extended contract in January 2016.
JASON HOLT
Contract expires 2020
Like Halliday, Holt was a successful trialist at the start of Warburton’s reign who was later given an improved deal. Caixinha seems to value his energy, even if quality doesn’t always match.
JORDAN ROSSITER
Contract expires 2020
Made the last of his half-dozen appearances in August before succumbing to injury. The hope is that next season will provide a fresh start for a player who has captained England’s Under-19s.
JOSH WINDASS
Contract expires 2020
Early flashes of talent have not been sustained throughout a campaign where injuries have intervened. Jury remains out on his effectiveness.
HARRY FORRESTER
Contract expires 2019
Shone at stages last season, but hasn’t made even a substitute appearance since mid-March. Has few first-team prospects under Caixinha.
MATT CROOKS
Contract expires 2020
Spent a chunk of the season on loan at Scunthorpe after struggling to adapt to life at Rangers. Has it all to prove in pre-season.
NIKO KRANJCAR
Contract expires 2018
Was given a handsome wage to leave New York for Glasgow, only to suffer a cruciate ligament injury. Back training, but questionable where he fits into Caixinha’s demands for a pressing game.
BARRIE McKAY
The most intriguing situation of any Rangers player this summer. Scotland cap has already rejected one offer to extend his contract, so club may have to sell while they can recoup a fee.
MICHAEL O’HALLORAN
Contract expires 2020 Signed a four-and-a-half-year deal when he joined Rangers, but different playing style means he has never recaptured St Johnstone form. Existing wages a barrier to interest from other Scottish Premiership sides.
KENNY MILLER
The 37-year-old remains Rangers’ best player. Finally signed a new 12-month deal last week to ensure he will be back next season.
JOE GARNER
Spending £1.5million on a 29-year-old who delivers more bookings than goals summed up Warburton’s summer recruitment. Rangers will need one hell of a salesman to recoup that fee.
JOE DODOO
Contract expires 2020
Ex-Leicester City youngster was substituted at half-time last Saturday, which largely encapsulates a debut season of little consistent impact.
MARTYN WAGHORN
Contract expires 2018
Turned down offer of a new deal last summer. Despite remaining Rangers’ top scorer, there is no clamour for talks to be revisited. A return to English football may beckon.