Why Rangers Have Scheduled Behind-Closed-Doors Friendly Against Dundee

Rangers have arranged a surprise friendly against Dundee as Derek McInnes looks to give several squad players valuable minutes ahead of next weekend’s fixtures.

The Light Blues will face Steven Pressley’s side on Tuesday, 20 October, just days after the teams played out a 2-2 draw at Dens Park.

That result brought Rangers’ seven-game winning run to an end, with McInnes’ side unable to impose their usual intensity on the Dundee defence.

Despite taking control for spells of the contest, Rangers were unable to secure all three points. Nicolas Raskin’s stunning strike briefly put the visitors in front, but Dan Neil’s defensive error allowed Dundee to regain momentum.

McInnes has now opted to arrange another meeting with the Dark Blues, giving him an opportunity to assess players who have struggled for regular first-team action this season.

Who could feature for Rangers against Dundee?

Badredine Bouanani impressed during his rare start at Dens Park, offering a reminder of the options available to McInnes as he manages a sizeable squad.

The Rangers manager has largely stuck with a settled starting XI in recent weeks, making relatively few alterations. Kevin Kelsy was the only change to the starting lineup for the Dundee fixture.

According to The Scottish Sun, Tuesday’s behind-closed-doors match is intended to provide valuable playing time for fringe players and those working their way back from injury.

Youngsters could also be involved, with Rangers preparing for their UEFA Youth League opener against Dynamo Kyiv.

Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Tuur Rommens, Vanja Dragojevic, Tochi Chukwuani and Bojan Miovski are among the players who have found opportunities limited this season.

The friendly could therefore offer several members of the squad a chance to impress McInnes and strengthen their claims for more regular involvement.

The venue and kick-off time have not been disclosed in the report.

Tochi Chukwuani faces important Rangers crossroads

Chukwuani is one player who could benefit significantly from the additional minutes.

The Danish midfielder joined Rangers in January for a reported £4.3million and was viewed as a potential long-term successor to Nicolas Raskin in the middle of the park.

However, the 23-year-old has struggled to establish himself at Ibrox and has slipped down the midfield pecking order under McInnes.

The situation might have been different had Raskin departed during the summer transfer window, potentially creating a clearer pathway into the starting team for the former Sturm Graz player.

Instead, Chukwuani has found regular opportunities difficult to come by as McInnes favours alternative options in midfield.

The Dundee friendly presents him with another opportunity to demonstrate his qualities and remind the manager what he can offer.

With competition for places remaining strong, Chukwuani will need to make the most of any chances that come his way. If his situation does not improve, questions over his Rangers future could emerge when the January transfer window opens.