Gary McAllister gives Rangers squad update ahead of Celtic clash

The assistant was quizzed on who will be available for Sunday

Author: Andrew MacleanPublished 27th Aug 2021
Last updated 27th Aug 2021

Rangers assistant Gary McAllister's keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of their clash with Celtic this weekend.

The 56-year old was on media duties again on Friday morning with Steven Gerrard missing their trip to Alashkert following a coronavirus outbreak at the club.

Several key players also missed the match including James Tavernier and Ryan Kent - with fans intrigued to know who will be available for the first Old Firm match of the season.

Individuals identified as close contacts this week could still feature providing they are double vaccinated and return a negative PCR test.

Following their 0-0 draw in Armenia, McAllister says they could have as many as five players returning - but won't reveal who.

When questioned further on Friday morning, he said: "On the Covid issues we are guided by doctors and the governing bodies.

"We will just wait and adapt day-by-day to see who is available and who is not. That's all we can do.

"Come Sunday we will be given a squad of who is available and we'll deal with it".

Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram will come back into the fold after serving European bans while McAllister says there could be involvement for new midfielfer Juninho Bacuna.

He said: "Everybody came through unscathed last night. We've got people coming back from suspension.

"Players that didn't travel will come into the reckoning as well - Bacuna, Barker and Katic.

"We're bolstered. We've got a few more bodies in the squad".