Andy Halliday discusses ‘major positive’ for Rangers ahead of the Celtic final at Hampden.

Andy Halliday discusses ‘major positive’ for Rangers ahead of the Celtic final at Hampden.

Andy Halliday believes getting Abdallah Sima and Dujon Sterling back is a “huge positive” for Rangers ahead of the Celtic game. Sima returned from a month-long absence in a 3-3 tie with Hearts over the weekend, with Sterling coming on in the second half.

The Gers could be without seven players for next weekend’s Scottish Cup final against Celtic at Hampden Park. Speaking prior of that match on Clyde1 Superscoreboard [20 May, 15m 50s], Halliday said: “The [Hearts draw] is a great positive for Rangers because there are no more injuries. “They’re already reduced down to the bare bones as they prepare for the Scottish Cup Final. They will be desperate to get at least two or three bodies back. It’s fantastic that Abdallah Sima and Dujon Sterling are back in the squad.”

Rangers hoping to get players back for Celtic clash
Philippe Clement could have done with an extra week’s break before the Celtic game in order to give every injured player a chance to recover.

Ultimately, though, if a player has not featured for more than a few weeks, it would be too risky to throw them in for the cup final anyway.

Sima’s return has come at a good time, but you have to wonder just how fit he is. An appearance from the bench is surely most likely. Some injuries are bigger than others, with centre-back of particular concern right now and Clement having to plug gaps.

This match will basically determine the Gers’ season, so there is a lot of pressure on Clement and his team to deliver. Whoever is chosen at Hampden must deliver the best performance of the season to make good for the disappointing end to the league campaign.

Read more on sportchannel.co.uk