Graeme Murty has given himself a massive problem

Rangers manager Graeme Murty has created one heck of a nice headache for himself. With the impressive rebuilding job going on down Govan way, Rangers are developing, slowly, a squad much more befitting of what we need to push Celtic.

However, one of the more efficient areas of the pitch was defence, with all four main men looking extremely impressive; James Tavernier, David Bates, Danny Wilson and Declan John have all been in imperious form these past two months, and while extra players are always welcome, Norwich’s Russell Martin has given Rangers’ boss a real problem.

I mean, it is the kind of problem we deserve to have, but no matter what, one or two players will be left unhappy.

In short, who plays central defence?

Danny Wilson has been excellent since Murty took charge, and David Bates has equally risen to the challenge with a couple of MOTM displays. Meanwhile, Fabio Cardoso looks to be surplus albeit Estoril’s interest seems to have faded, and Portuguese Bruno Alves has failed to live up to expectations, and equally failed to retain fitness for any length of time.

Enter Russell Martin. The Scotland international has not come to Ibrox to fit a space on the bench, the 32-year old stopper expects to play. Naturally he must earn that place, but the simple acquisition of an alpha defender like he does suggest Murty is likely to select him from the off.

Which leaves his partner. Would it be Wilson, who in no way deserves to be dropped, and indeed looks to be getting a contract extension? Would it be Bates who is also reported to be getting extended? Or could Alves pull a rabbit out the hat and establish himself back in the first team – the 36-year old has claimed he has no intention of leaving. Last but not least, is it time for Cardoso to shine at long last?

From nowhere Rangers’ options at the back have gone from hideous to downright solid. Three alpha defenders (theoretically) and Bates and Cardoso.

It seems to us, to start with at least, if it is indeed a four at the back and it is likely to be, it would be Martin and Wilson together. If either of them fails to deliver, there are plenty of options to replace them.

The kind of backline more in tune with what Rangers should be.

We are getting there.