Michael Beale has effectively confirmed Ben Davies will be remaining first-choice centre back at Ibrox next to Connor Goldson for the foreseeable future, injury notwithstanding, indirectly ruling John Souttar and indeed Leon Balogun out as no more than subs going forward.
The manager, speaking at his pre-Dons press conference, was filled with praise for the ex-Liverpool defender, but did also admit that there were no offers in the summer which came close to Rangers’ valuation or his wages and alleged the player himself absolutely wanted to stay anyway.
It was a very interesting bunch of comment from the manager, who’s enjoyed a little bit of a boost from the Livingston win in midweek, and while not getting carried away with that result, was most certainly happy with Davies and by exalting the left-sided CB, indirectly rejected John Souttar after criticising the team, pre-Davies, for conceding some poor goals.
He said:
“I think during the international break it was an area we wanted to look at. Obviously, we just conceded goals in big games that were partly our doing so, as a whole group, there was a focus on our out-of-possession, our pressing, our shape, our distances and there’s been a lot of focus on the team’s rhythm in possession. A lot of that we have to allow those relationships, and we still are, to form but defensively we feel we could pull ourselves together as a team so I’ve been pleased with that. Ben coming back in has been part of that.”
He went on:
“The reason he hadn’t played prior was because he ended last season with an injury and came back to pre-season with a separate one so he’s only been available for these games. I’ve been pleased with him. It’s been a real team effort, not just him.”
This is about the worst thing John Souttar could have heard, but it is hard to argue with Rangers’ defensive record the past four matches.
Beale has clearly made his decision, Rangers’ defensive partnership under him will remain Connor Goldson and Ben Davies.