Philippe Clement will welcome his international stars back to Auchenhowie in the coming days as he prepares for the return to Premiership action against Dundee United this weekend. Once again, the Belgian does not have his issues to seek ahead of the must-win encounter at Ibrox.
The last break of the year has left Clement sweating. Here, the Rangers Review looks at the mixed fortunes of those that now have domestic and European action to focus on during a hectic run of fixtures for Rangers.
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John Souttar and Connor Barron
Barron was once again an unused substitute for Steve Clarke’s side as he continues to wait for his first minutes for his country. It was a different story for his Ibrox teammate, though, as Souttar played a leading role in the wins over Croatia and Poland. After starring against Portugal during the last break, Souttar continued his fine form for club and country this time around.
A clean sheet helped Clarke’s side keep their Nations League hopes alive as John McGinn netted a late winner at Hampden. On Monday, Souttar had an impact at both ends of the park as a terrific cross in the closing stages was headed home by captain Andy Robertson.
A top night from @JohnSouttar 📊#POLSCO pic.twitter.com/OWi5aYXjMw
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 19, 2024
"He's been unbelievable in this Nation's League,” Robertson said of the Rangers stopper afterwards. “Especially the last four games, I think he's been different class.
"He's showed his quality and it was disappointing for him, I know how much it hurt him not getting picked for the Euros, some people will maybe think, 'okay that's my Scotland career over' or whatever - not John. John worked so hard and he's playing well for Rangers and he's also doing unbelievable for Scotland."
Ianis Hagi
The Romanian has found game time hard to come by at Ibrox this term, but he remains an integral part of his international squad. Hagi was on the pitch for 89 minutes against Kosovo and watched from the sidelines as the match ended in chaos. UEFA have opened disciplinary cases against both nations after the match was abandoned when the visitors walked off and refused to return to the field.
The Kosovans have alleged that ‘irresponsible and discriminatory behaviour’ forced their players off because of a ‘lack of safety and dignity’. Allegations that home supporters chanted ‘Serbia’ were made. In response, the Romanian FA insisted that ‘no racist chants during the match’ and called Kosovo's decision to walk off ‘regrettable’.
On Monday, Romania made it five wins from five completed fixtures as Cyprus were well beaten in Bucharest. Hagi registered an assist as Florinel Coman rounded off the scoring in a 4-1 win. His future could be question if he does not play regularly at Ibrox, though.
“Yes, of course I advised [him],” boss Mircea Lucescu said. “How could I not? It’s not the first time. I also told him that I would give him this chance but he has to go to another team where to play effectively. He played well and I congratulate him.
“His contract situation was resolved so he could be reinstated to the first team, but Ianis has not received consistent minutes since then. He spent last season at Alaves and still doesn’t seem to have secured a place in Rangers’ starting line-up.”
Nedim Bajrami
The playmaker lined up against his fellow Ibrox forward as Vaclav Cerny started for the Czech Republic in Tirana on Saturday. In the end, neither could make the breakthrough as the match finished goalless. Bajrami operated on the left side of the Albanian attack before being replaced by Ernest Muci after 72 minutes.
On Tuesday, Bajrami was back in action as Albania hosted Ukraine in Group B1. He was unable to inspire his nation to victory, though, as a 2-1 defeat saw Albania drop behind Georgia and finish bottom of their section. Ukraine scored twice in the opening ten minutes and a Bajrami penalty with a quarter of an hour remaining proved in vain for the hosts on matchday six.
Vaclav Cerny
Cerny has been a mainstay on the right flank for Rangers this term but he switched sides on international duty. The on-loan Wolfsburg winger started on the left for Ivan Hasek’s visitors on Saturday. Like Bajrami, he didn’t see out the match as Adam Hlozek was introduced just after the hour mark.
Cerny was handed a start once again as the Czechs went into their match at home to Georgia top of the table. And a 2-1 victory - earned thanks to efforts from Pavel Sulc and Hlozek - was enough to give them the honours in B1. Cerny played for 57 minutes before Lukas Provod was introduced in his place.
Cerny spoke ahead of the double-header about his recent experiences at Ibrox after recovering from a nightmare outing against Lyon to find his form in the final third. The 27-year-old closed his social media accounts following abuse from supporters and admitted that he had learned from the experience.
"The gesture was completely unnecessary, but I'm so impulsive,” he said of a gesture towards the Ibrox crowd in the win over Hibernian. “I got beat up and then had to get the fans on my side again.
"So for me, it was really important that the next weekend I scored two goals and we won 2-0. Everything calmed down again, I went on a good streak.
"That was the best possible reaction. I shut my mouth and played. That's the best way to do it. After the experience I've gained from that, I'm stronger, I react better to everything. I'm more experienced."
Neraysho Kasanwirjo
The break ended in worry for Clement and Kasanwirjo after the defender was crocked during the friendly fixture with England. Kasanwirjo replaced Bjorn Meijer inside the opening quarter of an hour but his night came to a premature end after he sustained a knee injury in the latter stages. He will now be assessed in Glasgow as Clement waits to discover how long the Dutchman – who was in tears as he hobbled back to the dressing room - will be out of action for this term.
A couple of days earlier, Kasanwirjo had played the second half of the draw with Slovakia. He took over from Meijer at right-back as Holland came from 3-1 down to earn a creditable result.
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