Rangers host St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup last 16 at Ibrox on Sunday, with Derek McInnes still searching for his first win as Rangers boss. The cup holders St Mirren arrive in form, having won two from two under Craig McLeish and sitting top of the Premiership.
Team news and lineups
Rangers made three changes to the side that crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday. Captain Lawrence Shankland starts on the bench, with Ryan Naderi leading the line. New signing James Penrice is pitched straight into action at left-back, while Vanja Dragojevic and Tochi Chukwuani come into midfield. Thelo Aasgaard misses out altogether.
St Mirren made two changes, with Paul Nsio unable to play against his parent club and Marcus Fraser dropping to the bench, replaced by Liam Donnelly. New signing Ismeal Kabia, on loan from Arsenal, starts.
McInnes on Penrice
Speaking to club media, McInnes said: "Well, it gives us a natural left-back, obviously with Tuur's injury, and young Ashton Scally is still a long way away from being fit, so to have a natural left-back available to us is so important, but knowing James, he'll bring quality...he'll bring real energy to that side...and having a left-footed defender is clearly important."
He added: "We're grateful that his clearance came through last night. We never named the team yesterday as a consequence of that...but if James was available, he was going to play and it's really just to bring a bit of freshness through midfield, I think Nico's [Raskin] experience in a difficult situation is important, but freshness from Vanja [Dragojevic] and [Tochi] Chukwuani, hopefully they can provide a lot of energy in there against St Mirren trying to build the game in there as well."
Pressure on Rangers
McInnes knows the threat St Mirren pose, having lost to them at this stage last season while in charge of Hearts. With pressure already building, a home defeat could push the crowd to breaking point.
Rangers have been busy in the transfer market, with a £7million move for PSV's Couhaib Driouech collapsing over fitness concerns. The club are also credited with interest in Athletic Bilbao midfielder Benat Gerenabarrena and Frosinone's Fares Ghedjemis, while Lewis Ferguson has said he would listen to "concrete" offers.
St Mirren have won five of their six matches in all competitions this season, conceding just one goal. John Beaton is the referee for the tie.
