GERRARD AND GERS STRIVE FOR CONSISTENCY

Rangers Hibs

v

Ibrox, 3pm

BY PETER RAMSEY

STEVEN GERRARD admits the quest to find consistency in selection continues as he prepares for a top-of-the-table clash with Hibernian at Ibrox.

The Gers boss (left) has bemoaned injuries, suspensions and Covid issues this season which has seen him chop and change his side on a regular basis across 15 games in all competitions.

After losing 1-0 to Sparta Prague in their Europa League tie on Thursday night, Gerrard is waiting to see if defender Connor Goldson has recovered from a knock which kept him out of the game in the Czech Republic and if midfielder Juninho Bacuna can shrug off a knock, while others are nursing bumps and bruises.

Rangers are only one point ahead of unbeaten Hibs after seven league matches and the former Liverpool and England midfielder wants to go into the match as strong as possible.

He said: “We have Ryan Kent missing and in Thursday’s game we needed to run hard and run fast, that’s why we used Fashion Sakala.

“I thought he was really good in terms of what he gave to the game, he was a threat with non-stop running so we will have to see how he pulls through before we make a decision.

“In general, I am trying to find a settled team, where we can find more cohesion, more rhythm, get the boys in a place where we can find consistency a lot more but it has been challenging.

“I think it is only Steven Davis that I have had available for every single game over the course of the 15 games. “This is the way it is, you have to accept it and adapt and the squad has to be ready because it has been virtually impossible to find the same starting 11 from game to game.” Defender Borna Barasic has been impressed by Hibs over recent seasons. He said: “It is a top-ofthe-table clash and I think it will be a very good game. “Hibs have shown this season that they are a very good team, they have shown that in previous seasons, they always play good football, this season they are even better so it will be an interesting game.”

Matt Macey has warned Rangers that HIbs now have the mental strength to go to Ibrox and win. The big keeper will be a key man against the champions.

And Macey (inset) insists the Edinburgh side can leapfrog Steven Gerrard’s side near the summit.

He said: “This is a big test for us but we’re all looking forward to it. We’ve put ourselves in a really good position this season and we deserve the opportunity to have a go at moving to the top. Our mentality is important. There’s a feeling this week amongst us that we can go and do something on Sunday.”