First Team
All The Info | Rangers (A)
22nd November 2024
One of Alex Smith's main selection dilemmas for Tuesday night's CIS Cup tie with St Johnstone, is whether to hand inspirational centre-back Jim Lauchlan a starting jersey.
Suspension ruled the ex-Kilmarnock defender out of United's last SPL outing - a 2-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle in September 29 and although Lauchan is to complete his two game ban in Saturday's home fixture with Hibs, he is eligible to play in the CIS competition.
That leaves boss Smith with the problem of either opting for continuity in his defensive line-up, or bringing in Lauchlan for this cup-tie which is sandwiched between his bans.
Said Smith, "I've a decision to make on whether to play Jim in the cup game with St Johnstone. He's an important player for us at the back, but others have been doing well, and with Saturday in mind, I may have to think about keeping Jim out of this one too."
In stark contrast to the usual pattern of events, the gaffer is close to having a full squad available for the tie.
"Other than Jamie Fullarton, all first team squad members are fit and raring to go, although I may not play Davie Hannah just yet - it may be wise to allow him a little more recovery time."
"It's a big game for us, and there's a bit of spice added due this being Billy Stark's first game in charge of Saints. That means his players are bound to react, so we must be wary of that and keep our own game in order."
Suspension ruled the ex-Kilmarnock defender out of United's last SPL outing - a 2-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle in September 29 and although Lauchan is to complete his two game ban in Saturday's home fixture with Hibs, he is eligible to play in the CIS competition.
That leaves boss Smith with the problem of either opting for continuity in his defensive line-up, or bringing in Lauchlan for this cup-tie which is sandwiched between his bans.
Said Smith, "I've a decision to make on whether to play Jim in the cup game with St Johnstone. He's an important player for us at the back, but others have been doing well, and with Saturday in mind, I may have to think about keeping Jim out of this one too."
In stark contrast to the usual pattern of events, the gaffer is close to having a full squad available for the tie.
"Other than Jamie Fullarton, all first team squad members are fit and raring to go, although I may not play Davie Hannah just yet - it may be wise to allow him a little more recovery time."
"It's a big game for us, and there's a bit of spice added due this being Billy Stark's first game in charge of Saints. That means his players are bound to react, so we must be wary of that and keep our own game in order."
