Stephen McGowan speculates stance of one or two Rangers directors ahead of EL showdown

Stephen McGowan has speculated that one or two of the Rangers directors would sacrifice European football ahead of the clash against Benfica to focus on the SPL title.

Writing on page 78 of the Scottish Daily Mail on Thursday (7 March), the journalist said there was similar thoughts being had at Ibrox when the Gers played Real Betis in December just days before their Viaplay Cup final victory over Aberdeen.

Philippe Clement takes his Light Blues side to the Portuguese capital on Thursday to face the Primeira Liga champions in the first-leg of their last-16 tie before the return fixture in Glasgow on 14 March.

“The task of challenging that falls to a Rangers side missing wingers Abdallah Sima, Rabbi Matondo, Scott Wright and Oscar Cortes,” said McGowan.

“Throw in midfielders Todd Cantwell and Kieran Dowell as well as striker Danilo and you can see why some supporters – and one or two directors – would happily sacrifice European football right now to focus on beating Celtic to the league title.

“There was some of that tunnel, parochial vision going on in December when Rangers travelled to Seville, three days before the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen.”

Should Rangers’ focus be on SPL title race with Celtic?

There is no doubt that their European campaign is going to stretch the Rangers squad at least for the next couple of weeks due to their injury situation

It’s going to be a huge test for the Gers players heading to Lisbon to take on Benfica in a stadium where they have never lost a Europa League game before.

But Clement will be keen to end that incredible streak the Portuguese side have built up at home, even though he will have one eye on matters back in Scotland.

It’s obvious that the title race is the priority for the Light Blues, but they can’t just simply roll over and exit the competition after working so hard during the group stage to make it through to the knockout rounds.

While progression in the competition could potentially hinder their chances of lifting the title, it could also help them build up yet more confidence as they look to take the trophy back from Celtic this season.