‘Strength in depth means we can cope with midfield misses’

GARY McALLISTER believes Rangers have the midfield options to cope if Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack are both ruled out of action ahead of Saturday’s crunch Old Firm clash. Arfield yesterday underwent a scan on the ankle issue that saw him carried off during last weekend’s win over Hibs. The Ibrox club are hopeful they could receive good news on the extent of the injury, although it is unlikely the 32-year-old will play any part in today’s meeting with St Mirren. Jack is definitely out of the match in Paisley as physios continue to monitor a knee problem that has kept the Scotland man sidelined since November 22. McAllister, though, feels there is more than enough depth in the squad — with Joe Aribo and Bongani Zungu available alongside midfield mainstays Steven Davis and Glen Kamara. ‘Because of Covid, it’s difficult to get the facilities for a scan,’ said McAllister. ‘Scott is going to get one now and we are hopeful it is better than it initially looked. ‘To see Scott being carried off was rare. He’s a very robust player. We’ve got our fingers crossed. ‘Ryan is going to take a wee bit longer than we anticipated. He won’t be involved on Wednesday. We’re just going to have to be patient. We thought he would be closer for the Hibs game, but now we are moving back a step, being a wee bit more patient. ‘Joe Aribo has the ability to play on the line further up, but he can also come in and play in the midfield three very comfortably. He also gives us that attacking threat. ‘Zungu is very, very capable. That’s what makes me feel a lot more comfortable. ‘It’s unfortunate we have a couple of injuries but the fact Zungu was added to the squad is a big, big boost. We have every confidence in him.’ McAllister also praised Ianis Hagi, who scored for the second successive match to seal the 1-0 victory over Hibs. He added: ‘Ianis has had to be very patient. When you do get the chance, you have to show what you can do. That’s what Ianis has done. He has been excellent in the games he has come into recently. ‘Assists and goals — that’s why he was brought here.’