Gerrard set for stunning personnel selection v Rapid?

Steven Gerrard could be set to give rising star winger Glenn Middleton a stunning Europa League debut tonight as part of the starting XI when Austria’s Rapid Vienna come to Ibrox.

It is Rangers’ first home match in any post-qualifier European competition since 2011 v PSV and a packed Ibrox will see Gerrard’s men attempt to follow up that brilliant point in Spain with another good result against a Vienna side in a state of turbulence following a poor start to the season (they lie 8th) and new management.

And Gerrard is understood to be strongly considering young Middleton for a starting place following Daniel Candeias’ inconsistent recent form and the allegations which followed the result in Livi (more on that later).

Middleton has absolutely shone for Rangers with almost every appearance the young man has made – the only time he struggled was indeed last Sunday when his substitute appearance failed to impact the match on any level – and he will be hoping Rapid’s current state of flux and transition plays into his and Rangers’ hands giving him plenty of space to exploit.

Vienna are also likely to be more open meaning Rangers’ attempts to get our wingers behind the fullbacks could give joy to a speed demon like Middleton which in turn will create more chances.

We will see come around 19:00 if Middleton is set loose after all.