Michael Stewart reacts to surprising Derek McInnes decision in Rangers clash

Michael Stewart was left surprised by a tactical decision made by Rangers manager Derek McInnes during his side’s 5-1 Scottish League Cup victory over St Mirren.

Rangers went into the match under pressure after a difficult opening to the campaign, with progression in the League Cup viewed as an important opportunity to get their season back on track. The hosts made a strong start, scoring twice in the opening half before St Mirren pulled one back to give the visitors hope.

Despite the setback, Rangers eventually regained control and ran out comfortable 5-1 winners.

However, one tactical decision during the first half caught the attention of Stewart, who was on commentary duty for Premier Sports.

Stewart questions unusual Rangers tactic

The incident occurred when St Mirren were preparing to take a goal kick.

Rather than returning to their usual defensive positions, Rangers appeared to switch the roles of James Penrice and Djeidi Gassama. Penrice moved into a more advanced position on the left wing, while Gassama dropped back to operate as a left-back.

The unusual positioning immediately caught Stewart’s attention.

He said: “That is a bizarre one. James Penrice is pressing high up on the left-wing and Gassama was back at left-back.”

Stewart then highlighted the potential danger Rangers could have faced if St Mirren had won possession.

He added: “If Jayden Richardson wins that ball against Makhanya, Rangers are cut wide open from a goal kick.”

The former Scotland international questioned why Rangers would deliberately leave themselves exposed when they had sufficient time to organise before the restart.

Rangers take a risk despite comfortable victory

While the tactical switch did not ultimately cost Rangers, Stewart believed it was a risky approach.

There would have been some justification if the players had been caught out during open play, but the fact that the change happened as St Mirren prepared to take a goal kick suggested it was a deliberate instruction rather than a momentary lapse in positioning.

Gassama was also being asked to perform a defensive role despite not necessarily being regarded as one of Rangers’ strongest defensive players.

McInnes ultimately escaped punishment for the decision, with Rangers going on to record a convincing victory.

Nevertheless, the moment provided Stewart with plenty to discuss, particularly given Rangers’ need for greater defensive stability following their poor start to the season.

For McInnes, the result will be the main positive, but the tactical gamble highlighted by Stewart is something the Rangers boss may want to reconsider in future matches.