Report: Rangers midfielder Steven Davis a doubt for Celtic match today

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Rangers midfielder Steven Davis is apparently a huge doubt for today’s Betfred Cup final match against Celtic at Hampden.

The Scottish Sun believes that the Northern Irishman is nursing a foot injury, and didn’t look up to par in Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw against Aberdeen.

Steven Gerrard did state at his press conference on Friday that he had a couple of knocks to contend with (Youtube). He didn’t, however, get drawn into specifics.

But if Davis is one of them, that will be a big blow to the Ibrox side in more than one way. First off, Davis has been a regular under Gerrard this season. He’s made 25 appearances already this term, and is the most experienced midfielder currently at the club (Transfermarkt).

In addition to that, he’s tasted several big Glasgow derby cup games and a plethora of derbies overall. He was part of the Rangers team in 2011 that actually beat us 2-1 in the CIS Cup final at Hampden, scoring the opener on the day.

Davis has been a key figure for Rangers this season

Gerrard has put his trust in Davis in the last two matches against Celtic. He played 90 minutes in the 2-0 defeat for Rangers back in September and the 2-0 reversal at Ibrox beforehand in May. Added to that, he’s played 90 minutes in all five of Rangers’ group stage games in Europe (Transfermarkt). When it comes to the big occasion, Gerrard tends to rely on him.

Should Davis miss out, it would be likely that Glen Kamara comes in to deputise. Unfortunately, the midfield is one of Rangers’ strongest areas in terms of numbers. You would also fancy Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield to start the game too.

But it’s also a midfield we have previous experience of over-running. It would certainly be ideal for us if Davis doesn’t make it, as it takes away so much experience and guaranteed composure in the midfield for Rangers.

Meanwhile, we have our strongest available engine room available to us. Scott Brown and Callum McGregor are both fit as things stand with Olivier Ntcham in reserve, whilst Ryan Christie and Tom Rogic are both ready to feature too.

Gerrard could, of course, just be bluffing with his injury claims. It could be that everyone is ready and fit to go and all of this is just mind games. However, if Davis is indeed out, it’s a positive for us. If he isn’t? You won’t find a Celtic fan crying about it.