Rangers

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

On loan Tottenham Hotspur winger Mikey Moore insists Rangers are not content to have reached second place in the Scottish Premiership and are looking to close the gap on leaders Hearts.

Danny Rohl's side have won four league games in a row ahead of their trip to face Aberdeen on Sunday and are now three points ahead of Celtic and three behind the league leaders having played a game more than both.

"It's nice to be up there and that's our aim, but it can change very quickly," Moore said.

"I think you start to get into the mentality that we're up there and we're closing the gap. I think you lose a few games and you're completely back out of it again up here.

"So for us, it's every game trying to close that gap even more because we're not happy where we are.

"We've done well the last few weeks, but we want to be sitting at the top of the table, not in second."

Moore netted Rangers' third in the recent 3-1 comeback win and was delighted to have contributed in such a high-profile game that aided Rangers rise up the table.

"It's been a special week with the Celtic game and winning the other day against Aberdeen," he conceded.

"It couldn't have been much better. It's something I dreamed of when I come here scoring in a game like that. I think you could tell from my celebration and the celebrations after the game.

"I think now people have started to realise what position we're really in and now as a group I think we have that belief to go and do something now.

"Now we're kind of in a real good position to go and attack the last part of the season."

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Aberdeen midfielder Adil Aouchiche is set to return but defenders Gavin Molloy and Kristers Tobers are still out with knee injuries.

Rangers midfielder Connor Barron is out for up to 12 weeks with a knee ligament problem while defender Dujon Sterling is sidelined for three weeks with a muscle complaint.

Defender Nasser Djiga has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and winger Oliver Antman is training again. Derek Cornelius and Nedim Bajrami remain out with muscle injuries.

Image source, Getty Images

Rangers have made loan enquiries to Sunderland for 24-year-old midfielder Dan Neil, who has interest from clubs in the Championship, and 22-year-old winger Romaine Mundle, who has interest from Espanyol and Club Brugge. (Sky Sports), external

Sturm Graz sporting director Michael Parensen has admitted they are already making plans to replace Rangers target Tochi Chukwuani, 22, but claims the £4m deal for the midfielder is not yet complete. (Record), external

Westerlo will be due 15% of any future sell-on fee as 22-year-old left-back Tuur Rommens prepares for a £3.5m transfer from the Belgian club to Rangers. (Transfermarkt), external

Meanwhile, Rangers have asked to be kept in the loop over any transfer moves for Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie amid interest from the Championship in the 23-year-old, who the Edinburgh club value at £6.5m. (Herald - subscription required), external

Celtic, Rangers and a handful of Championship clubs have registered their interest in signing Bowie in this month's transfer window. (Football Insider), external

Hibs have received no contact from clubs, including Celtic, Rangers and Wolverhampton Wanderers, reportedly interested in Bowie and none have even reached out for guidance on what sort of a fee it would take to secure the Edinburgh club's joint top scorer. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Raith Rovers manager Dougie Imrie has revealed the Scottish Championship club have held talks with Rangers over new loans as part of their co-operation agreement. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Rangers have been handed another injury blow with influential midfielder Connor Barron facing three months on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury.

While the 23-year-old struggled to make an impact under previous boss Russell Martin this season, he has become a key component of Danny Rohl's midfield.

He had to bide his time though, starting just one of the German's first four league games at the helm. Since then, he's started all but one of the past nine.

Barron's performance against former club Aberdeen in Rangers' most recent outing - the 2-0 midweek win that moved them second in the table - highlighted his effectiveness.

He set up both goals with first-half corners, which were part of his tally of eight crosses - his highest total this term - and had a passing accuracy of 98.3%.

Barron didn't create a single big chance when he played under Martin, but has now fashioned five in his past four games.

In confirming Barron's lay-off on Friday morning, Rohl bemoaned the loss of a player who - along with Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande - helped "dictate the rhythm" and win "a lot of balls" for Rangers.

The stats bear out that assertion. Only Raskin has won possession more times for Rangers in the league this season than Barron's 79.

And Barron has won the third most tackles (20) of any Rangers player while ranking third for interceptions (16) and second for the most passes played into the opposition box (54).

If Rangers are to continue their recent revival, they'll have to find a way to replace his influence in the middle of the park.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Rangers manager Danny Rohl has been speaking to the media before the trip to face Aberdeen in the Premiership on Sunday.

Here are the key points:

• On mounting injury issues, Rohl said it was a "never-ending story" and confirmed midfielder Connor Barron will be sidelined for up to three months with knee ligament damage sustained in the midweek 2-0 home win over Aberdeen.

• Dujon Sterling will also be out with a muscle issue for two to three weeks after working his way back from long term injury.

• "This is football" Rohl said. "Always when you have a team together and you try to grow and give them confidence and you can make the same starting 11, then you have new injuries. I think in the last couple of weeks we did well. We found again a solution and this is again for Sunday what we have to do."

• On the loss of Barron: "I think it's not just the player. I think also the relationship with Nico [Raskin] was very special. Then in the last two games you saw as well Dio [Mohamed Diomande]. These three midfielders were very strong. They dictate the rhythm. They won a lot of balls and this is what we of course miss. But it's time then for maybe other players to step in and take the responsibility."

• Rohl refused to confirm deals for reported signings Westerlo left-back Tuur Rommens and Sturm Graz midfielder Tochi Chukwuani, but is hopeful of arrivals before Sunday's game.

• "I cannot confirm yet because you never know what happens in the next 24 hours," he said. "We are in a good way. We are looking at some other positions as well, but let's do the first job with the first two players and then let's see what we can do next."

• The German was keen to point out his current squad have taken a lot of points without new signings but stressed they have to be "hungry and ambitious" in the transfer market.

• On the challenge of Aberdeen: "We are really involved in a title race and I think this is fantastic. From this point we have to continue. This is crucial because four wins is good in a row but five wins in a row is much, much better. They [Aberdeen] will be a different opponent to Tuesday because the environment, the stadium, the atmosphere will be different to Tuesday. They will challenge us."

• Defender Nasser Djiga is available for the game at Pittodrie after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Burkina Faso.

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Rangers midfielder Connor Barron is out for up to three months with a knee ligament injury, manager Danny Rohl has confirmed.

And Dujon Sterling - who return to action last month after a long-term lay-off - will miss two to three weeks because of a hamstring problem.

Rohl described Rangers' injury problems as a "never-ending story".

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Rangers have agreed a £3m deal for Westerlo left-back Tuur Rommens, while a £4m offer has been accepted by Sturm Graz for midfielder Tochi Chukwuani, who is also 22. (Scottish Sun), external

Tuur Rommens is on his way to Glasgow after Westerlo accepted Rangers' £3.5m bid for the Belgian Under-21 international after they were rebuffed by AEK Athens in their attempts to sign former Heart of Midlothian left-back James Penrice. (Daily Record), external

Sturm Graz midfielder Tochi Chukwuani is awaiting final permission to travel to Scotland for a medical with Rangers, with the transfer for a fee of around £4m expected to be completed in the coming days. (TeamTalk), external

As Rangers attempt to add a centre-back in the January window, Xavier Mbuyamba has told Dutch outlet NOS he is ready to leave Volendam, but Twente are also interested in the 24-year-old who is out of contract this summer. (Daily Record), external

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh has told a meeting of fans that they are trying to add more depth at left-back, a physical presence in midfield, an added goal threat and more creativity during the January transfer window. (The National), external

Rangers midfielder Connor Barron and defender Dujon Sterling could be sidelined for a crucial stretch of the title run-in. (Daily Record), external

Out-of-favour Rangers midfielder Kieran Dowell remains a top target for Hull City and a deal for the 28-year-old is likely to be done this month. (Hull Daily Mail), external

Rangers will not consider the possibility of selling 19-year-old winger Findlay Curtis during January. (Football Insider), external

Former Rangers head coach Russell Martin is the bookmakers' favourite to be Oxford United's new manager. (Football Insider), external

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Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson is expecting "lots of twists and turns" in the title race but says Danny Rohl's "terrific" work has cemented the Ibrox club as strong contenders.

Rohl has picked up 32 points from a possible 39 since taking the helm in October to guide Rangers above Celtic and within three points of leaders Hearts having played a game more.

"I think there's a title race," Thomson told BBC Scotland.

"At one point under Russell Martin I think people wrote Rangers off. Hearts have had a brilliant season and certainly don't look like they're stopping.

"Most people would have thought Rangers were dead and buried, that's just the harsh reality of where they were at.

"So to go on the run that they've been on, that defeat at Tynecastle [21 December] has probably been the one setback they've had.

"The group have stayed quiet, gone under the radar a little bit, but you can't write Celtic off either.

"There's going to be lots of twists and turns but I think the job Danny Rohl has done is terrific."

Having inherited Russell Martin's squad, Rohl now has a chance to put his own stamp on the club in the January window.

"I'll be intrigued to see how his style adapts over the coming weeks," Thomson added.

"Because if he can spend money on players that suit him more than the previous manager it'll be interesting to see how he progresses the team."

We asked for your views on what business Rangers should do in the January transfer window.

Here are some of your comments:

Drew: Rangers need a centre forward that knows his way to goal and can provide some experience to the younger players. Callum Wilson would be a good fit considering his record and his current status with West Ham, it's an opportunity for Rangers to bring in experience and goals.

Sonny: Terminate Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons loan deals and signing a permanent commanding centre-back and left-back should be priorities. Sell Joe Rothwell, Kieran Dowell, Rabbi Matondo and Danilo and look to bring in replacements who'll put in more effort than they do.

Ronnie: Rangers still need to sign an out-and-out goalscorer despite Youssef Chermiti showing signs that he may come good. Both Bojan Miovski and Danilo are not the answer. A quality full-back is also needed.

Alan: Rangers desperately need to strengthen the spine of the team and add some experience to a young squad. A ball-playing six that will allow Nico Raskin a more attacking role, an experienced left-back and a proven goalscorer are the bare minimum. Add an experienced central defender and I would be very happy.

Ross: This might be a leftfield view, but I don't think there are any major concerns in this squad. Sure, I have moaned about Mikey Moore, Thelo Aasgaard, Chermiti and many others all season, but they have all hit a sudden vein of form and now look like reasonable players. A replacement for Mo Diomande should probably be the highest priority now, he seems like a weaker link and a shadow of the playmaker we signed two years ago.

Jeff: Rangers need to strengthen but also we need to sell players who we are paying for doing nothing. We need a left-back, central defender another holding midfielder, winger(s), striker.

Sally: Right-back, left-back, centre-back, right winger and a proven goalscorer.

Chris: A good central defender that is not injury prone. A left full-back and a 20-goal striker. Funny we had those before Kevin Thelwell, Russell Martin & Co arrived. Obviously we need a clearout of all the dross they bought but I can't see anyone paying money for any of these poor quality players.

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Former Hearts and Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson has highlighted the tactical change Danny Rohl has implement to steer Rangers away from the "critical" defensive errors that plagued them earlier in the season.

When Rohl took over from Russell Martin, Rangers had picked up just one victory in their opening seven league games.

Under the German, Rangers have 10 wins and one defeat from 13 league outings while conceding just eight goals.

"I think you have short periods where your xG might be very high but you're actually not putting the ball in the net but generally over the course of a season it balances itself out," Neilson told the BBC's Scottish Football podcast.

"Rangers' issue was that, defensively, critical errors were high which means they were losing the ball in poor areas and trying to play in poor areas. They've stopped that quite a bit.

"They're playing a little bit more direct but having less passes in their defensive third, which means there's less chance for error, and then they're just becoming a lot more solid defensively.

"It's been an interesting change. I don't think it's been huge tactical change in possession. It's been more tactical out of possession."

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• Since Danny Rohl joined the club in October, Rangers have the most wins (10), points (32), and goals (24) of any Scottish Premiership side, while only Motherwell have conceded fewer goals (4) in the competition than the Ibrox club (8) in this time.

• Aberdeen have lost their past three league matches, all without scoring, but haven't lost four in a row without finding the net since December 2010.

• After only winning five of their opening 14 league games of the season (D8 L1), Rangers have since won six of their past seven (L1), and are looking to win five successive Premiership matches for the first time since February 2025.

• This will be the second Premiership match between Aberdeen and Rangers this week. It's the first time both sides have faced the same opponent consecutively in the league within a single season since April/May 2023, when they also faced each other twice in a row.

• Rangers have won their past two league meetings with Aberdeen by an aggregate score of 6-0, but haven't won three in a row without conceding against the Dons in the top flight since August 2011.

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Rangers are closing in on a £4m deal for Sturm Graz and Denmark Under-21 midfielder Tochi Chukwuani. (Daily Record), external

Rangers have made their move for Belgium Under-21 left-back Tuur Rommens, with Westerlo considering a bid in the region of £3m. (Daily Record), external

Club Brugge have registered interest in Rangers winger Djeidi Gassama, while Spanish side Villarreal are also keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, who moved to Ibrox over the summer. (Rudy Galetti on X), external

St Mirren vice-chairman Jim Gillespie is a leading contender to become Rangers' new chief executive. (Sky Sports), external

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Midfielder Nico Raskin sees no reason why Rangers can't win the Premiership title this season after continuing their revival by moving second.

Danny Rohl's men leapfrogged Celtic following a 2-0 victory at home to Aberdeen and are three points clear of their city rivals and three behind the leaders, albeit having played a game more.

"Well, we came back from a long way so if we can do that and if we can keep going, why not?" the Belgium international said.

"I don't think there's been one turning point.

"The fact we started to get some results and win a bit more and also the fact the other teams lost points, everything together makes us where we are now, so it's just trying to keep the momentum going and see where we end up.

"Football goes quick in every sense, so right now we're enjoying it because we're getting closer to the top.

"[We] remember how many bad comments we had after the Hearts game [2-1 defeat on December 21]. It goes really quick so now we just need to keep calm."

Rangers come up against the Dons again this weekend when they travel to Pittodrie as they look for their fifth victory in a row.

Raskin, who headed the second goal on Tuesday night, said: "It's not been a great start for a lot of the boys for different reasons.

"But since the manager came, he has tried to insist on the basics, do the basics right on the pitch, be together and then the quality is going to show up, and that's what we try to do as much as we can.

"I think the team is looking really good together. We have a great spirit and obviously it helps when you win games.

"You win games, you get closer to the top, so we all look in the same direction together and we just enjoy winning games, we try to give the fans a bit of pleasure.

"It's going to be a very different game up in Aberdeen, so we just take it game by game and try to do our best."

Danny Rohl is seeking signings in his first transfer window with Rangers as they try to chase down league leaders Hearts.

The club spent big last summer, but need to get recruitment right this time.

What positions need strengthened? And who would you like to see Rangers bring in?

Send us your thoughts here.