Not just Devlin: Why McInnes should make another Rangers change against Motherwell

Rangers have shown signs of improvement over the last couple of games, but Derek McInnes still has some important selection decisions to make before Motherwell visit Ibrox.

Back-to-back victories over Aberdeen and Falkirk have helped settle things following the disappointment of their European exit. The performances were not perfect, but Rangers are beginning to find some momentum, with Lawrence Shankland particularly influential after scoring three times across his last two appearances.

The victory at Falkirk also contained plenty of encouraging attacking play. Rangers looked energetic and dangerous in the final third during an entertaining contest, although their defensive frailties remained a concern.

Motherwell, however, represent a different challenge and will provide a useful test of whether Rangers are genuinely moving in the right direction.

Rangers will remember what happened against Motherwell

The last meeting between these sides at Ibrox remains a painful memory for Rangers supporters.

Danny Rohl had done much to stabilise the team before their season unravelled. Aside from cup defeats to Celtic, the German had guided Rangers into serious title contention and appeared to have them well placed heading into the split.

But when Rangers needed to maintain pressure on their rivals, things went badly wrong.

Motherwell dealt them a 3-2 defeat at Ibrox, taking a two-goal lead inside the opening 25 minutes. Emmanuel Longelo was responsible for one of the goals, and although Rangers fought back through Nicolas Raskin and Youssef Chermiti, they ultimately suffered another setback.

Longelo struck again late in the match after Rangers pushed forward searching for a winner, finding too much room to curl his effort into the net.

Chermiti then missed a late opportunity that summed up Rangers’ night.

The defeat proved particularly damaging, with Rangers subsequently losing their next four Premiership matches. Their title hopes effectively disappeared during that disastrous run.

McInnes will therefore be determined to ensure history does not repeat itself when Motherwell return to Ibrox.

Devlin should be left out after Falkirk display

One of the biggest selection questions surrounds Cammy Devlin.

With Nicolas Raskin now expected to remain at Rangers following the transfer speculation surrounding him, competition for midfield places has increased again.

Dan Neil’s absence meant Raskin partnered Devlin against Falkirk, but the Australian produced a performance that gave McInnes little reason to retain him in the starting XI.

Devlin certainly brings plenty of aggression and energy to the midfield, but his overall contribution was limited in midweek. He failed to register a key pass and completed 84 per cent of his passes.

His biggest problem, however, was the number of costly moments.

Devlin’s first-half mistake played a role in Falkirk getting back into the contest, while another attempted clearance after the interval rebounded into the danger area and helped create another opportunity for the hosts.

McInnes eventually removed him after an hour, and that substitution could be an indication that the midfielder is vulnerable for Saturday’s game.

Vanja Dragojevic could therefore be given the opportunity to partner Raskin against a Motherwell side likely to demand more from Rangers in midfield.

Emmanuel Fernandez is another player who should be rested

Devlin is not the only Rangers player who should be concerned about his starting place.

McInnes also needs to consider changing things at the back following another unconvincing defensive display at Falkirk.

Rangers have already shown how damaging defensive instability can be. Last season, they conceded at least twice in each of their final seven Premiership matches, with those repeated mistakes playing a major role in their failure to sustain a title challenge.

The personnel has changed considerably since then, with four of the five defenders who started against Falkirk arriving during the summer.

Emmanuel Fernandez is the notable survivor, but his recent displays have raised questions about whether he should remain an automatic starter.

The Nigerian defender has plenty of physical qualities and enjoyed a productive campaign last season, scoring six goals. His performances have also attracted reported interest from Premier League clubs.

Nevertheless, his work at the heart of the Rangers defence has been increasingly erratic.

At Falkirk, Fernandez appeared to go down while trying to win a foul shortly before the hosts equalised. His afternoon became no easier after the interval when a loose pass gifted Jacob Murrell a dangerous opportunity.

There had also been warning signs earlier in the move that produced Murrell’s header. Fernandez looked too relaxed as Finley Barbrook was given enough time to pick out the back post.

His statistics with the ball were also concerning. Fernandez completed only 78 per cent of his passes and was dispossessed or lost possession 17 times during the match.

That equates to giving the ball away roughly once every five minutes, a figure that highlights the uncertainty surrounding his distribution.

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd summed up the concern by describing Fernandez as the sort of defender who can make those around him nervous.

That is hardly ideal for a player expected to be a key component of McInnes’ defensive unit.

McInnes has a chance to send a message

Fernandez may argue that he deserves patience given the considerable changes Rangers have made to their defence this summer. Building an understanding with new teammates takes time, and singling out one player for the team’s defensive shortcomings would be harsh.

However, Saturday’s meeting with Motherwell could be the right moment for McInnes to make changes.

Rangers have finally put two victories together and Shankland is beginning to look like the striker they hoped he would be when he arrived. Kim Min-su has also provided encouraging attacking moments since his move from Girona.

But if Rangers are serious about building consistency, McInnes cannot afford to overlook defensive weaknesses.

Leaving Devlin and Fernandez out would give other players an opportunity while also sending a clear message that places in the Rangers XI must be earned through performances.

With Motherwell arriving at Ibrox, McInnes has the chance to make those adjustments before another difficult test exposes the same problems again.