KENT IS IN THE CLEAR
RYAN KENT will be clear to play in Rangers’ Premiership opener at Pittodrie next month after escaping a two-match ban following his red card in France. The £7million winger was sent off for slapping Lyon midfielder Marcelo during Thursday night’s 2-0 win over the hosts in
their Veolia Trophy clash. But the French Football Federation have no jurisdiction over the tournament and no report will be submitted to the SFA. Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic missed the opening two games of last year’s Premiership after being sent off in a friendly against Swiss side St Gallen. However, a Rangers source told the Press Association yesterday that, following initial fears that Kent would receive a similar suspension, the Ibrox club expect ‘no issues moving forward’ and that he will be free to face Aberdeen. Kent will be available to line up against Nice in their final game in the tournament today. Lyon boss Rudi Garcia praised the Ibrox side for beating his team with ten men. Depleted by the red card shown to Kent near the end of the first half, Rangers hung on to a two-goal lead and could have won by more had substitutes Ross McCrorie and Jordan Jones not been wasteful in front of goal. ‘I think it would have been better had we played 11 v 11,’ admitted Garcia. ‘Steven Gerrard played a very attacking formation. Even after they went down to ten men they played 4-3-2 and that caused us problems. ‘Ten versus 11 is not the best preparation as the opposition team closes down the spaces. ‘But when you have a man extra you need to get more crosses in, more runs into the box. We didn’t do that.’ The win has put Gerrard’s team in a commanding position ahead of this evening’s final round of fixtures in the mini tournament. Rangers will face Nice in the early kick-off at the Groupama Stadium before the hosts entertain Celtic, who drew 1-1 with Nice on Thursday. Gerrard’s assistant Gary McAllister admitted that indiscipline in the ranks in recent seasons has meant Rangers have had to become proficient at operating with fewer players. ‘Over the past couple of
seasons we have become pretty good at playing with ten men,’ he said. ‘Hopefully we can improve our discipline.’ Rangers ended the match down to nine men after substitute Brandon Barker hobbled off with a knock. At the time, and following a raft of replacements, their back four comprised academy recruits Nathan Paterson, McCrorie and Lewis Mayo plus their 20-year-old summer recruit from Leicester City, Calvin Bassey. ‘When we went with nine men, we had an Under-20s back four,’ said McAllister. ‘So it ended up going very well. It was nice to see the togetherness of our team.’ Although the first priority will be the Premiership opener against Aberdeen in a fortnight’s time, McAllister feels the Lyon match will aid the players’ readiness for the second leg of their Europa League tie against Bayer Leverkusen a few nights later — with the Ibrox side trailing 3-1 in the tie. ‘Early on, Lyon were going to try and press us high, which showed us respect,’ he said. ‘But I liked our composure and our second goal played right through their press — it was from a goal kick. That’s pleasing as we work on that a lot. Lyon were ideal opponents because they’ll be similar to Bayer Leverkusen. ‘The other friendlies next week will be more aligned to the Premiership and the league opener at Aberdeen. ‘The first league game is hugely important but we’ll have a go at Bayer.’