Two summer Rangers arrivals forced to wait for Ibrox debuts by Philippe Clement
09/23/2024 02:00 PM
Rangers brought in no fewer than 11 new players this summer as Philippe Clement overhauled the Ibrox club's squad.
With 16 also heading out the door, the Belgian manager has breathed fresh life into a stagnant first-team and offered big opportunities to a number of young stars.
As the likes of Jefte and Connor Barron impress, the stage is set for fellow new arrivals like Nedim Bajrami and Hamza Igamane to make their Ibrox mark.
But following the 3-0 Premier Sports Cup win over Dundee, there are still two of the 11 new signings who are yet to make their Rangers debut.
Rangers signing pair made to wait on Ibrox debuts
Rangers fans got their first glimpse of Dutch defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo when he replaced James Tavernier late on against Dundee.
The under-fire Ibrox skipper got a round of applause from Gers fans after opening his account for the season with a second half penalty kick.
The arrival of Kasanwirjo on loan from Feyenoord will provide competition to the Rangers captain with Gers fans eager to see what the Dutch U21 defender will bring the Ibrox.
But whilst Neraysho Kasanwirjo made his Rangers debut against the Dee, there are still two summer arrivals who are yet to play for the Gers since joining the club.
Former Rangers academy goalkeeper Liam Kelly never made an appearance at Ibrox after coming through at the club as a youth player.
The stopper is still yet to dislodge Jack Butland with the Gers number one putting in an inspired performance in the Premier Sports Cup victory.
New Rangers arrival Clinton Nsiala, who joined the club from AC Milan in the summer, is also yet to make a competitive first-team appearance since moving to Ibrox.
Like Hamza Igamane, Philippe Clement has previously suggested that big things are expected of Nsiala at Rangers.
When could Liam Kelly & Clinton Nsiala make Rangers debuts?
Liam Kelly might've hoped to make his Rangers debut during the club's Premier Sports Cup run.
Rangers played St Johnstone in the fourth round of the tournament before defeating Dundee in the quarter-final on the club's return to Ibrox.
Jack Butland played in both matches with Liam Kelly forced to wait to make his first appearance for Rangers, with the club's Scottish Cup run probably earmarked for Kelly's debut, depending on the opposition.
The situation with Clinton Nsiala is a little more complex, with Philippe Clement believing the Rangers defender is very much an option for the future in Glasgow.
Routinely turning out for the Rangers B team, Nsiala faces stiff competition to break through at Ibrox with John Souttar, Robin Pröpper, Leon Balogun and now Neraysho Kasanwirjo all ahead of the centre-back in the club's pecking order.
But with a long season on the horizon, we suspect Clinton Nsiala will be given a chance to impress before the curtain comes down on the campaign.
