Clement must replace Igamane with the “exciting” Rangers star

Glasgow Rangers travel to Hampden Park on Sunday in the League Cup final, ace Philippe Clement aims to win the competition for the second time.

The Belgium boss lifted the trophy at the start of his Gers tenure last year, beating Aberdeen 1-0 in the final, and will now need to overcome Celtic to secure a second piece of silverware during his time at Ibrox.

Rangers come into this match on the back of an impressive 1-1 draw against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Light Blues, however, could be without several key players from that starting line-up after picking up a few injury problems against Ange Postecoglou’s side.

The latest Rangers injury news

Central defender John Souttar suffered a knock in the first half of the 1-1 draw at Ibrox and had to be replaced by veteran Leon Balogun.

Hamza Igamane was then forced off in the second half after going down holding his leg, but the medical staff did not have to stretch either player.

After the matchClement did not rule out their involvement on Sunday but admitted it was too early to tell and they would have to monitor how Souttar and Igamane feel ahead of the cup final.

Losing the Moroccan striker to injury would be a huge blow for Rangers ahead of their clash with Celtic, as he has been in excellent form of late, with five goals and one assist in the last five appearances in all competitions.

Cyril Dessers came on to replace him against Tottenham, but Clement must forget about the Nigeria international and release another striker in place of Igamane if he misses out through injury.

The Rangers striker who should replace Igamane

The Belgium coach should release Daniil, who was unavailable for the Spurs draw, as Rangers’ starting striker in the League Cup final to replace the Moroccan ace, although he should start in any case.

Clement should start the Brazil star regardless of whether Igamane is fit or not, with the 22-year-old summer signing playing on the left with Danilo up front. Scottish Premiership match – 3-0 win through Ross County.

However, if Igamane is unavailable, and it is a straight decision between the former Feyenoord player and the Desserts for the starting role on Sunday, the former should come first.

As you can see in the table above, Danilo has outplayed Rangers number nine at Premier League level since his recent return from injury.

The Brazilian dynamo, who has been described as “exciting” talent Michael Beale, offers a greater threat in front of goal compared to the Dessers, with more touches, shots on target and “big chances” created despite playing fewer matches and averaging fewer minutes per appearance.

This suggests the former Eredivisie goalscorer is more likely to make a difference at the top of the pitch at Hampden Park this weekend in the League Cup final, which is why he should come in to replace Igamane up front, rather than Dessers.