Dujan Sterling’s absence from yesterday’s colossal victory at Falkirk is definitely one of the more odd stories in recent Rangers’ time. Obviously, we all know that Sterling has a significant personal issue on the go at the moment. These are obviously a major distraction for him, and he will be facing that issue formally next month. However, he played in the last match against Dundee United, Rangers’ victory at Ibrox, proving to be a significant three points in this massive three-way title race. However, the curiosity was his absence against Falkirk. This was not explained at all by Rangers manager Danny Rohl, who said only that it was ‘impossible’ for Sterling to play on the Astro surface. This, we find a very, very odd reason to claim.
A Very Odd Explanation
The reality, of course, is that surely Sterling’s situation personally is mentally affecting him, as understandably it would. The boy faces potential significant problems, and that is clearly going to overarch his situation. The next match, of course, Rangers face will be Motherwell at Ibrox, and that will be a big reveal. If Sterling is not in that one, then we will know it is ’emotional’ and not anything to do with the surface at Falkirk.
A Manager’s Dilemma
The problem, of course, that we have is that Rohl is in a bit of a quandary with this one. This, we will not hold against Rohl. We are about 99% convinced that his line was based on protecting the player. There is no way a solid guy like Sterling, albeit injuries, would be rested for this match completely. Mikey Moore, who was clearly carrying a knock, started.
Selection Questions
Mikey Moore is not fit right now. It was a mistake to start him. He was removed after a subpar first half. He was unable to get into the match. Crucially, he had no support behind him. But fundamentally, he started despite not being fit, while Sterling did not even start. Consequently, we have to wonder how much these personal issues are affecting him. They will be significant, for certain.
Looking Ahead to Motherwell
In the next one against Motherwell, if he does not feature again, then we will know probably for sure. It will be an emotional issue rather than anything to do with injury. It is a big problem for Rangers here. James Tavernier is not up to the task that Sterling is.
Defensive Concerns
Tavernier’s weaknesses were exploited frequently by Falkirk at their home patch. All of their danger came down his side. Rangers definitely missed Sterling. The big problem, of course, is that Falkirk was the easiest match we have. It is all getting progressively harder towards the end of the season. It is tough at this point, and Dujan Sterling’s absence could be a big factor in how Rangers do.
As, admittedly, the current loss of Tuur Rommens, but that’s another story.