THE chances of injured Rangers duo Thelo Aasgard and Hamza Igamane playing tomorrow night’s second leg Champions League qualifier vs Panathinaikos in Greece have taken a hit after both men sat out training 24 hours out from the tie.
It’s the last major practice session that Gers stars will go through ahead of tomorrow night’s clash.
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And while there’s a chance that 24 hours could work some magic, it certainly doesn’t look good when it comes to the possibility of the two key stars playing a part.
We were first to tell you how £3.5m man Aasgaard was a doubt for the tie after taking a knock during the closed door clash with Dunfermline.
Then Hamza Igamane, a source of ongoing transfer intrigue with Lille believed to be among the interested parties, didn’t even make the squad for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.
Both men would surely have had a key role to play in the match at the Athens Olympic Stadium were the fully fit – bit now it remains to be seen whether either will travel.
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In the absence of Igamane, it seems likely that Danilo will continue up top, with either Findlay Curtis or Djeidi Gassama playing on the left of the Gers formation in the space where Aasgaard could have been accommodated.
The Norwegian can play in central midfield too but those spots currently are occupied by Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande, with Joe Rothwell patrolling behind them.
Re-born Jack Butland, meanwhile, is determined to resurrect his Rangers career and be remembered as an Ibrox legend.
The 32-year-old admits he was ‘hurt’ after being dropped by interim boss Barry Ferguson towards the end of last season.
New Gers gaffer Russell Martin has been linked with moves for two keepers this summer amid speculation around Butland’s long-term future.
But after silencing his critics with a stunning performance against Panathinaikos last week, Butland is ready to re-establish himself as the Ibrox No 1.
He said: “Whenever there’s those question marks over you, you want to react.
“I want to define my time here. I love it here.
“I want to be here, but that can hurt you.
“So for me it was a bit of a kick up the backside, if you like. Not like I needed it.
“But if there was any motivation I needed, that was added extra.
“I know and believe I can be a huge part of this club’s history and success. I still intend to do that.”
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