RANGERS head to Falkirk on Sunday on League Cup duty with assistant manager Gary McAllister insisting the Light Blues will still field a ‘strong side’.
Gers are looking to reach the quarter-finals of the competition with victory on Sunday night – and while there will be some changes made in the midst of a hectic fixture schedule, McAllister has called on those involved to take the opportunity to show they are ready if required going forward.
McAllister was speaking at today’s press conference following last night’s 2-2 Europa League draw with Benfica at Ibrox.
He said: "The game at the weekend is massively important, and the carrot which has been dangled in front of us is a slot in the quarter-finals.
"So I am really looking forward to the game - it will be different to the game last night, and it is a lead in to next Thursday against Standard Liege.
"It is two big cup ties coming up for us, and they are very, very important for the progress of everybody here at the club.
"We have a big squad here and loads of players who want to play every minute of every game - but there is an awareness that is not physically possible.
"Now is the time to utilise the squad. We will field a strong side and we will not disrespect Falkirk in any means at all - we will go there and field a strong side.
"But we do have the option of making a few changes just to freshen it up as what I would say, is last night was an almighty effort.
"Yes, it's tinged with a wee bit of frustration the fact we have given away a two goal lead, but the work rate in the 90 minutes - I thought it was a tough, high-level game.
"So we would need to refresh anyway, even if we were playing another European tie to freshen things up.
"The game on Sunday will be an opportunity for those guys who are just on the periphery and on the edges of things to really get in the eyes of the manager and have a strong performance against Falkirk in this cup tie.
"It is utilising the squad but it is also an opportunity for players to show the manager they are ready come the moment they are part of the starting XI."
There is no doubt the XI on Sunday will be incredibly motivated, with numerous members of the first-team squad discussing in recent weeks how intense training has been given how desperate everyone is to play their part at present.
For those who are selected to play on Sunday, McAllister went on to add what they will need to bring to the party, adding: "They have got to have had eyes on how we are playing and how we are gaining positive results at the moment.
"They have to come in with that tactical awareness of how we shape and to play with the intensity of the guys who have been getting results, and that is something we see on the training ground every day.
"Everybody is working and really pushing to get in that starting XI for every game, so we know the people who do play at the weekend, they will come in and hopefully they show that intent and that willingness to say 'I'm ready. Come the moment I am needed, I can go in and play four, five, six games' and continue this good run of form."