James Tavernier and Connor Goldson were today omitted from the ‘first half XI’ of Rangers’ first friendly in Eindhoven, a meeting with Belgian giants Standard Liege, and intriguing, Nico Raskin was not named in the starting XI either.

The team read:

Butland; Ridvan, Souttar, Davies, King; Barron, Diomande; Lawrence, Cortes, McAusland; Dessers

No mention of the substitutes but a notable absence for Tavernier who has been spotted heavily on the bikes but has taken no part in the training matches or such like.

Goldson is also not in that XI but it’s a big surprise that Nico Raskin, who is of course Belgian, doesn’t face his ex-team from the start, even if he may from the second half.

Does this selection mean anything?

Intriguingly, no place at LB for new signing Jefte or deputy Robbie Fraser, while Ridvan’s place at RB shows the complete lack of depth if there’s no James Tavernier.

Dujon Sterling is currently injured and takes no part in this match.

Fan reaction to the XI wasn’t the best, some supporters in pain at seeing the selection. It is of course a friendly but in fairness the lineup doesn’t inspire much.

It’s all about fitness and ideas at this early stage but that only Barron of all new summer signings is part of the starting XI isn’t exactly heavily inspiring.

No Danilo either, he isn’t ready for competitive football.

Positivity? Well, it’s early days innit…