RUSSELL MARTIN has given a major update on crocked Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane ahead of tomorrow’s crunch Champions League second leg against Panathinaikos.
The two Rangers stars WON’T be available for the Athens showdown as neither player travelled with the squad over to Greece, Martin has revealed.
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It looked unlikely that either Igamane or Aasgaard would be available to play after they both sat out training in Glasgow 24 hours out from the tie.
It was the last major practice session that Martin and his stars had ahead of tomorrow night’s clash.
The Gers boss then revealed both players were missing when the team touched down in Greece.
He said: “It’s just Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane who are not here and didn’t quite make it. Everyone else is here and fit and ready to be involved.”
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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 – but now Martin will have to do without them.
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.
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“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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