Rangers face Aberdeen as selection and wage issues persist
James Tavernier has struggled to make an impact at Maccabi Tel Aviv since his summer move, with the former Rangers captain said to be nearing the end of his career.
Aberdeen head into the Rangers semi-final with a defensive crisis. Stephen Robinson said he was 'too scared to answer' after fresh blows to Chris Cadden and Kristers Tobers before Hampden.
Pundits said Rangers missed a trick on ex-academy winger Josh McPake after he 'destroyed' them in the 2-2 draw at Hearts. Derek McInnes admitted McPake and Calvin Miller were very strong.
Rangers saw two bids, the second worth £7.5m, rejected for Amario Cozier-Duberry. He has since starred on loan at Middlesbrough with 3 goals and 4 assists in 7 starts.
Lyall Cameron is thriving on loan at Dundee United, but a permanent Scottish move looks unlikely as Rangers wages price out rivals. An eventual move to England is seen as likelier.
Derek McInnes looks set to reshuffle Rangers' XI for the Hampden semi-final with Aberdeen after criticism, with one leggy star expected to drop out.
After Rangers' 2-2 draw at Hearts, Djeidi Gassama was criticised for an 'awful' 54-minute display with 19 touches. He now looks at risk of losing his place before Aberdeen.
Under-pressure Stephen Robinson takes Aberdeen to Hampden hoping to revive their season, but Rangers stand in the way as Derek McInnes' side chase a place in the League Cup final.
Mark Guidi called Rangers' recent trophy return 'embarrassing' and 'nowhere near acceptable', saying Derek McInnes must end the drought by beating Aberdeen and pushing on for silverware.
Dan Neil said he is enjoying a more box-to-box role before Rangers face Aberdeen. Lyall Cameron's wages may block a Scottish move, while Derek McInnes has been urged to bolster midfield.
