Ally McCoist has a deep Pool of talent

[ian1964 10,409]

RANGERSâ?? impressive start to the defence of their SPL title would suggest Ally McCoist has more than managed to build a strong starting line-up.

 

But on the evidence of last nightâ??s friendly fixture victory over English Premier League giants Liverpool, the Ibrox manager also has plenty of strength in depth which could prove vital in the coming months of the campaign.

 

It is often argued Celtic boss Neil Lennon has far greater resources at his disposal than his counterpart across the city, but it now appears that such an argument is outdated.

 

With no European football this midweek in light of their failure to reach the Champions League or qualify for the Europa League, Rangers took the opportunity to invite Kenny Dalglishâ??s Liverpool north of the border.

 

Naturally, the main thinking behind such a fixture would have been in financial terms, as the men running the club desperately try to claw back even a fraction of the money they lost out on at the start of the season when they were knocked out of both European competitions.

 

On the pitch, though, it also proved to be a successful night as McCoist used the game to have a closer look at several of the players he has waiting on the wings and hoping to break into the first-team.

 

It was an opportunity for Australian internationalist Matt McKay to show what he can do and try and stake a place for a competitive outing after spending most of his time on the bench following his move from Brisbane Roar.

 

And he didnâ??t disappoint. His positional sense, and his overall awareness and knowledge of the game, impressed McCoist and he now provides the Light Blues boss with an alternative to youngster Gregg Wylde for the role on the left of midfield should the youngster lose form.

 

On the other flank, Juan Manuel Ortiz managed to make a reasonable impact on occasions and as much as he hasnâ??t set the heather on fire, he is still a player who can deputise in a few positions across the back and in midfield should he be required to do so.

 

A third summer signing, Alejandro Bedoya, was also decent enough against Liverpool without being outstanding and once again, he is another player McCoist knows he has waiting on the wings should the time come when he is required to make changes.

 

When you then factor in that Kirk Broadfoot and Davie Weir came in to play at the back, with the latter looking particularly comfortable against £35m striker Andy Carroll â?? especially considering he hasnâ??t played for some time â??and that Kyle Bartley is still to return, McCoist probably has more viable defensive options available to him than Lennon.

 

With Lee McCulloch getting some much-needed game-time and John Fleck coming off the bench as well as fellow youngsters Jordan McMillan and Ross Perry, there is actually an extremely strong squad of players in place at Ibrox.

 

McCoist, as you might imagine, was really pleased with the 1-0 win which came courtesy of McCullochâ??s strike but it was the chance to see so many of his fringe players in action which delighted him more than the win over the Anfield club.

 

â??It was a good exercise from the point of view that a lot of our lads got a game under their belt,â? explained McCoist. â??We managed to play a number of players who havenâ??t played that often for one reason or another and that was pleasing.â?

 

He added: â??Big Davie came in at the back as did Kirk Braodfoot, Lee McCulloch started in the middle and we managed to start McKay, Ortiz and Bedoya â?? and I thought the three of them played well, as did the others.

 

â??A few of the younger boys also came on at the end, so it was good to give everyone that needed a game some time on the pitch.

 

â??And it is always a good workout when you are playing against a team with the quality Liverpool had out there.

 

â??I thought we played very well on the night. We kept good possession of the ball and were well organized and restricted them to very few opportunities. We might have scored a second goal but overall it was a worthwhile exercise.

 

â??With the two clubs not having European football this season, it was good to get a game and it sets us up nicely for going to Tynecastle on Sunday.â?

 

McCoist might have everyone available on Sunday but there will come a time when one or two of his players start to drop out through injury and suspension.

 

Knowing he has players ready to come in will provide the Rangers manager with a lot more confidence to deal with those problems when they inevitably arise.

 

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/fringe-men-on-centre-stage-show-ally-mccoist-has-a-deep-pool-of-talent-1.1130115

[Guest Dutchy]

The only people saying septic have a stronger pool than us are their management team.

 

Who happen to be the same people that are saying the stand-ins replacing their star injured players while they are recovering from some injuries are not up to the job.

 

Keep talking lemon!

[Gribz 743]

Id say we are as strong as we've been for a few years, I cant recall having 2 sets of XI who we could field in an SPL game and still be favourites with either side. Compare that to last season when there was a run of 4 or 5 games when we couldnt fill the bench and you have to say credit to McCoist for getting the squad up.

 

We are still lacking a bit upfront though. But if Hemmings comes back and shows his promise it solves a few questions.