Rangers

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl says he's relishing the extra responsibility of reshaping the squad this January, when he's looking for "quality over quantity" and more players who know "what it means" to represent the Ibrox club.

The clear implication is those kind of players are in short supply in Rohl's squad at the moment, meaning he's in regular contact with chairman Andrew Cavenagh to identify the correct "profile" of player for what he hopes will be a busy start to the new year in the transfer market.

His task has been made clearer by the injury-enforced absences of Derek Cornelius, John Souttar and now Oliver Antman, as well as the imminent departure to the Africa Cup of Nations of Nasser Djiga and Mohamed Diomande.

"In general, I'm in conversation with Andrew nearly every two or three days. I think this is crucial," said Rohl.

"He'll also be here in the next couple of days, so we will have meetings. I give my feedback every matchday back to him.

"What I see, it's not just about positions. What's important for us as a group is which profiles we need: from the skills, from the tools, from a specialist in some areas. I think this is crucial.

"It's crucial to prepare well for this window. Hopefully the market then gives us the opportunities to do what we want. And the earlier the better.

"We need players to have a natural aggression against the ball. This is crucial for me. We need players to also understand what it means to play for Rangers.

"This is what I feel I've learned these last weeks, step by step: which players can handle this environment, which players have to improve. I try to help them, give them a positive mindset. But it's about confidence, and confidence is important."

With Rangers having sacked chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell last week, Rohl is comfortable to take on extra responsibility in tandem with his chairman for what could be a season-defining period for the club as they try to chase down the nine-point gap to Premiership leaders Hearts and seven-point deficit to city rivals Celtic.

"Andrew is very clear, I think we are both very clear, on what we want to do," he added. "We see what we have to do and now it's about which opportunities we will get in the market and of course we have to make the right decisions. I think this is crucial.

"There's a big responsibility on both of us, for the club. I have a big responsibility now after we lost Kevin and Patrick. I think this gives me more and more influence and hopefully we make a good step forward. The key is we are on one page."

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

To be fair to Rangers, they remain unbeaten in 17 away league games stretching into the end of last season as they travel to face Dundee United on Wednesday night.

However, Sunday's goalless draw at home to Falkirk highlighted that plenty of work is still to be done for the Ibrox side since Russell Martin was replaced with Danny Rohl as head coach.

It was a 1-1 draw away to the Bairns in October that put paid to Martin's short reign and that was followed by a 2-2 draw with United at Ibrox while managerless Rangers decided who should be his successor.

Rohl had won four Premiership games in a row until the Bairns came calling, but overall they have won just two of their past six outings as the German has been hampered by the same shortcomings in his squad as his predecessor.

Rangers have still only suffered one league defeat all season, but it is draws that are hampering them and they cannot afford to fall more than the seven points they are behind Celtic and nine off Hearts.

After their own 1-1 draw away to Kilmarnock on Saturday, United have themselves now shared the points on six of their 13 Premiership outings, including that visit to Ibrox.

However, since then, Jim Goodwin's eighth-placed side have won once - their only victory in eight outings - and have gone four games without one.

Rangers are unbeaten in 11 meetings with United since a 1-0 defeat at Tannadice in August 2021.

The Ibrox side, though, are struggling to score goals and Goodwin will hope that gives his team a chance of improving on just one clean sheet in their past seven home games.

Read all the midweek Premiership picks

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Danny Rohl has been speaking to the media before Rangers visit Dundee United in the Premiership on Wednesday night.

Here are the key points from the Ibrox boss:

• Rangers been hit with another injury blow with winger Oliver Antman out for the next two months with a leg injury.

• Rohl says he's very surprised at the extent of the adductor injury as the winger's substitution at the weekend was tactical rather than enforced.

• Antman joins defenders Derek Cornelius and John Souttar on the sidelines, with Rohl expecting to lose Mohamed Diomande and Nasser Djiga to the Africa Cup of Nations this month.

• It means the January transfer window will be crucial to Rangers' hopes of success this season, with the German head coach adding he's in regular dialogue with chairman Andrew Cavenagh to target "quality over quantity" and to identify the correct profile of player who "knows what it takes to play for Rangers".

• Rohl says the sackings of Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart puts "a big responsibility" on him over transfers, adding: "I think this gives me more and more influence in this part and hopefully we make a good step forward. The key is that we are on one page."

• Rohl adds: "It's crucial to prepare this window well and then hopefully the market gives us also the opportunities to do what we want. Earlier is better."

• He is seeking "the right players" such as those who "can accelerate our game".

• Rohl feels there shouldn't be too much of an overreaction to the goalless draw with Falkirk at the weekend, pointing out he's taken 13 points from 15 and that if the same return comes from the next five matches, Rangers should still be very much in contention.

• He says Rangers have improved defensively - "a good step forward" - and now the focus is on creating more opportunities and sharpening up in attack.

• On midfielder Lyall Cameron, who has played just 10 minutes since Rohl took charge, the German says: "Lyall has been patient, he needs to be ready when he gets that call to come in and seize his opportunity."

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

Last week was a missed opportunity to get three points in the Europa League and narrow the gap on Hearts.

Instead, it gave us a real look, as if it was needed, at the mess Kevin Thelwell and co have left in terms of our squad.

Against Braga we were undone by our own defensive error, yet again. And the Falkirk game was so poor.

We finished that match with an xG of 2.0, yet at the game, it felt like Scott Bain was never in any danger of conceding and Falkirk were completely comfortable.

We have a real creativity problem, and I look back at a comment Nico Raskin made about the manager a few weeks ago. He mentioned Danny Rohl allowed them to play and it wasn't as strict or rigid with the ball, essentially meaning he has freed them up to go and express themselves.

We saw none of that on Sunday and again the likes of Thelo Aasgaard and Oliver Atman should be offering much more than they do. They are finding being a Rangers player very tough, and currently are like the proverbial fish out of water.

As for Bojan Miovski, I have no idea what to make of him in a Rangers shirt. He's not a hold-up striker, he's better running in behind and playing on the shoulder.

However, not one of our midfielders are willing to try to find him. Much like Danilo and Youssef Chermiti he's been a disappointment so far.

There is no point banging on about the recruitment; we know errors have been made but we need to struggle through to January and the summer and see what happens at those junctures.

I would like to see Lyall Cameron and Findlay Curtis get some game-time against Dundee United tomorrow and Kilmarnock on Saturday, but whatever transpires we need to be much more of an attacking threat if we are to have any chance of winning.

Image source, SNS

Rangers are in danger of losing Bailey Rice for free, with Aston Villa and Sunderland tracking the 19-year-old midfielder's progress, while West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City are preparing pre-contract offers for him in January amid no indication that the Ibrox club are discussing a new contract. (Daily Mail, print edition)

Meanwhile, Rangers are considering recalling Oscar Cortes from his loan at Sporting Gijon in January because of his lack of game time, according to La Voz de Asturias, but the 21-year-old winger would be found another club as he does not figure in head coach Danny Rohl's plans. (Glasgow Times), external

Former Rangers captain Richard Gough has revealed he had an offer to assist the current struggling players turned out by the club and insists they need an "intervention" amid a dismal campaign. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Ex-Rangers forward Greg Stewart is keeping an open mind on his career plan after signing until January for Cove Rangers after a deal with Indian club Mohun Bagan fell through before helping Paul Hartley's League 1 side to a surprise win over St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup. (Courier - subscription required), external

Former Aberdeen, Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness says he was asked "quite a long time ago" to do the same job at Rangers but turned it down. (Football Insider), external

Celtic have earned £250m more than Rangers over the past 10 years. (Football Insider), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

We asked for your views following Rangers 0-0 draw with Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday.

Here's what some of you said:

Derek: Another snail speed, drab performance, Findlay Curtis and Lyall Cameron should be played before Oliver Antman and Thelo Aasgaard. Another two bought that are worse than what we have, along with Youssef Chermiti. We also need someone in Danny Rohl's team that understands Scottish football.

John: I feel sorry for Rohl. He has inherited a lot of junk. The problem now is getting rid of some of the players. I would judge him when he can bring some of his own players in.

Ian: Certain midfield players are constantly underperforming i.e. Aasgaard and Mohamed Diamonde but both keep getting played. They are negative players who never drive the ball forward therefore the strikers never get proper service. If you don't make chances for strikers then they will never score.

David: I guess we've all run out of printable adjectives to describe how bad we are. In steady decline since a decent first half at Dens Park. What we have now is a group of very loosely conjoined individuals masquerading as a team, most of whom hide and shirk responsibility as soon as they step on the pitch.

Andrew: It is clear that Rohl should gut the squad. All players on loan should be returned and start again. Only possible two players had pass marks. Jack Butland and Emmanuel Fernandez. Need a strong left-back and right-back, a midfielder with bite and a forward that can score.

James: Aasgaard and Antman are international footballers for their respective countries but you wouldn't know it watching them play for Rangers. I am not blaming just them because there are others equally culpable but, what I don't get is why they keep getting a game.

Alex: What's left to say after such an abject pathetic performance. The jersey is far too heavy for this group of players that aren't good enough for any Scottish side far less Rangers. They lack passion, drive, fight and skill. Rohl, if he lasts long enough has a huge task on his hands and I don't envy him.

Robert: Absolutely dire performance. No creativity anywhere on the pitch. Wingers don't beat their man, too much backward and sideways passing, no players willing to take responsibility. Middle to front is really poor. Could have played all day and still not scored.

Image source, SNS

Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland "believes" in new head coach Danny Rohl but says the players need to "take a few more risks and be braver" after their latest stumble at home to Falkirk.

Rohl's four-game winning streak in the Scottish Championship came to a halt with Sunday's 0-0 draw at Ibrox, meaning Rangers have failed to win 15 of their latest 24 games in front of their own fans in all competitions.

"I do think there are a lot of performances out there, people really trying and really trying to do the right things," Butland said.

"I think we have been in a really difficult period to start this season. So many things going on, lots of changes.

"I'm not trying to make excuses - what's expected is better than what we're producing. Having come off four league wins in a row, it's not the result we want or should have got.

"I have belief in the manager. I believe in what he's trying to do and I believe in the messages he's trying to get across.

"As a group, we've got to do better at putting those messages on the pitch and perform better. Simple as that."

Butland believes the onus falls "on all of us" to solve the issues of creativity.

"It's on us as a team to make sure that we're trying to get the forward players in the right positions, giving them support from behind, overlapping runs, putting them in good areas to go and be successful," he added.

"We've got to put each other in better positions, help each other out a lot more in the final third to make things clearer and more obvious for people and we need to take a few more risks and be braver."

Image source, SNS

Rangers have announced that Jonathan Hunter-Barrett will not join the club as academy director as planned.

The Wolves academy manager was due to start in the role in early 2026, but the planned appointment has been cancelled by "mutual agreement".

In a statement, Rangers said: "We remain fully committed to enhancing our youth structure and player pathways, and we will now progress alternative plans for the Academy leadership team, with further updates to follow in due course."

Image source, SNS

Andy Halliday believes Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Falkirk was a result that had been coming for Rangers.

The Ibrox side dropped points in the Scottish Premiership under new head coach Danny Rohl for the first time, having won his four previous games.

"Danny Rohl's had a lot of credit for coming in and going four from four in the league for Rangers," said former Rangers player Halliday.

"I don't think that the performances within the four wins were sustainable to keep winning games. The performances in the four games is clouded because they've managed to get it over the line and get the results.

"I'm a massive believer that if you perform well on a weekly basis, the results will come. And I felt like a result like that today was coming for Rangers."

Rangers sustained their seventh Scottish Premiership draw of the season against the Bairns, leaving them seven points off reigning champions Celtic and nine behind leaders Hearts, who have played one game more than both Glasgow sides.

"The quality in the game was extremely poor," Halliday said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Defensively, I think over the course of the season, Rangers look very suspect. At the top end of the pitch, they don't look as if they've got an actual goal scorer.

"There's been games where they just don't look like scoring. And I think a big part of that is obviously due to the poor recruitment that they had in the summer."

Watch highlights from Sunday's Scottish Premiership draw between Rangers and Falkirk.

Available to UK users only.

Image source, SNS

Head coach Danny Rohl indicates some Rangers players are running out of opportunities to convince him of their worth. (Sun), external

Rangers defender Derek Cornelius was seen on crutches at Ibrox as his team drew 0-0 with Falkirk. (Glasgow Times), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

Rangers failed to extend their Scottish Premiership winning run to five matches as a well-structured Falkirk earned another valuable point on their return to the top flight.

Read the match report.

Have your say.

Image source, SNS

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl tells BBC Scotland: "If you play a draw then you ask what you can improve. We had some good moments, but our decision making was not always right.

"I cannot fault my players for their effort. We want to win and we didn't win so it feels not good.

"When you are on your highest level, you make the right decisions, but the players are thinking too much. This is a part of development.

"It was not everything wrong but we were not 100%. We have a long December with this group. I see positive examples but I also see players who can't use opportunities at the moment.

"I see what we can improve. For excitement and creating more chances, we have to work on it. I know where we are, but it is my job to improve it."

Image source, SNS

Rangers remain without John Souttar, Derek Cornelius and Mikey Moore with muscle injuries. Rabbi Matondo (knee), Dujon Sterling (Achilles) and Kieran Dowell (foot) are closing in on comebacks.

Falkirk striker Gary Oliver (hamstring) joins Ross MacIver (ankle), Lewis Neilson (ankle), Coll Donaldson (abdomen), Tom Lang (foot) and Aidan Nesbitt (foot) on the sidelines.

Image source, SNS

• Rangers are unbeaten in 60 home league games against Falkirk (W51 D9) since a 3-2 defeat in November 1925. This is their first meeting since a 1-0 Rangers win in the Championship in January 2016, and first in the top flight since a 3-0 win in January 2010.

• Falkirk have only won one of their past 46 top-flight matches against Rangers (D7 L38), a 1-0 triumph in December 2006 under John Hughes.

• Danny Rohl is looking to become only the fifth Rangers manager to win his first five league games in charge, after Bill Struth in 1920, David White in 1967, Mark Warburton in 2015, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst in 2021.

• After only winning one of their first seven league games this season (D3 L3), Falkirk have since won four of their past six (D1 L1). The Bairns have also won as many of their six away league matches this season (three) as they did on the road in the entirety of their last top-flight campaign in 2009-10.

• Rangers are unbeaten in 52 league games played on a Sunday after a Europa League match (excluding qualifiers) on the Thursday of that same week (W44 D8) since a 3-0 defeat to Celtic in February 2011.

Image source, Getty Images

Rangers have shown an interest in Freiburg left-back Berkay Yilmaz, but French club Toulouse and others in the Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga are also eyeing the 20-year-old Turkey youth international currently on loan to Nuremberg in Germany's second tier. (Bild), external

Shanghai Port head coach Kevin Muscat says he has moved on from missing out on the Rangers job despite having "some real positive talks with some really good people". (The Scotsman), external

Rangers are considering naming current chief financial officer James Taylor as their new chief executive. (Scottish Sun), external

Former Leeds United director Victor Orta is the new bookmakers' favourite to be Rangers' new sporting director. (Glasgow Times), external

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.

Image source, SNS

The error that led to Livingston being denied a crucial penalty in last weekend's 2-1 defeat by Rangers has been confirmed by the Scottish FA's key match incident panel.

Livingston manager David Martindale had already revealed that VAR referee John Beaton had phoned him to apologise for not advising match official Ross Hardie to review the footage.

Now the independent KMI panel has unanimously agreed that the on-field decision was incorrect, that VAR should have intervened to recommend a review, and that a penalty kick should have been awarded for handball.

Livingston striker Teti Yengi's shot struck the arm of Rangers centre-half Emmanuel Fernandez on its way to goal when the score was 1-1 at Ibrox.

However, the KMI panel unanimously agreed that referee Hardie had been incorrect to disallow Mohamed Diomande's late winner for Rangers for offside in the same game - and that VAR was correct in intervene, with the goal standing.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Rangers midfielder Connor Barron believes they are moving in the right direction under Danny Rohl after the 1-1 draw at home to Braga moved them off the bottom of the Europa League table.

Rohl's side failed to take advantage of a one-goal lead and man advantage after James Tavernier's penalty was followed by Rodrigo Zalazar's second-half red card for a headbutt on Nicolas Raskin.

Nasser Djiga's misplaced header gifted Gabri Martinez an equaliser as Rangers arrested a four-game Europa League losing streak in earning their first point of the campaign.

"Obviously disappointed we didn't get the three points, but I thought for large spells in the game we were really good and dealt with the conditions really well," Barron said.

"I felt we got into good areas, but the goal killed us in the end. I see signs of progress there on the pitch, but the feeling is disappointment of course.

"I think we showed something we haven't shown in the previous Europa League games, so we take confidence out of that in terms of our performance.

"But in terms of result we need to go and work on that, and we fully believe that we can.

"We've seen a lot of differences and a lot of improvements. [since Rohl took charge]. I feel like we're playing with a lot more freedom and the boys are taking full advantage of it, but we need to go and pick up results."

Rangers now face having to win their remaining three fixtures to retain any hope of progression, with an away trip to Ferencvaros followed by Ludogorets at home and Porto in Portugal.

"100 per cent the belief's in there to go and do it," Barron said.

"That's our focus, but we've got a game around the corner on Sunday [at home to Falkirk] so full focus is on that.

Pain rather than pride was the first emotion for James Tavernier after an historic night for the Rangers captain on Thursday.

Against Sporting Braga, Tavernier scored his 21st European goal for the club, equaling the mark of Ibrox great Ally McCoist.

However, the opener from the full-back was cancelled out in the second half by the 10-man visitors to leave Rangers on just one point from five games.

"When it all settles down, I'll look back on it and be really proud of it, but ultimately I wanted the three points," 34-year-old Tavernier told Rangers TV.

"If I didn't or did score, I wanted the clean sheet. It hurts, but I'll always try and help the team no matter what.

"As long as we learn from this, and we've shown in the last couple of weeks that we're building more consistency in what we want to do."

Tavernier's first European strike came against FC Shkupi of North Macedonia in July 2018.

While drawing level with McCoist, the Englishman is still eight goals behind Alfredo Morelos, who tops Rangers' continental scoring chart.