Rangers manager Derek McInnes has played down concerns over two players after the goalless friendly with West Ham at Ibrox, saying he expects Cammy Devlin and Thelo Aasgaard to be fit for the club’s opening Scottish Premiership fixture.
Minor knocks from final pre-season test
Both players were substituted during the match which served as Rangers’ last friendly before Friday’s league meeting with Dundee United at Tannadice. Norway playmaker Aasgaard came off after sustaining a shoulder problem, while Australia international Devlin did not return for the second half because of a calf complaint.
“A couple of wee knocks, Cammy Devlin with his calf and Thelo with his shoulder, but both will be fine for the weekend.”
McInnes welcomed the absence of any more serious injuries following the match and noted the positives he took from the pre-season run-in, while also underlining where improvements are still required ahead of competitive fixtures.
Assessment of pre-season and recruitment plans
The manager highlighted the differing tactical shapes used across the two halves of the friendly, explaining the second half was organised to give a number of players meaningful minutes. He described the team’s performance as more intense than in previous outings and said players had been sharper in their collective work.
- Fitness: Devlin and Aasgaard expected to be available for the weekend.
- Form: Improved intensity and ball retention noted by the manager.
- Recruitment: Seven signings completed so far; club seeking additions in “a couple of key positions”.
Despite encouraging signs, McInnes admitted there remains a deficit in quality in the final third at times. He pinpointed crossing and decision-making in shooting as areas for work in the remaining days before the league campaign begins.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent friendly | Rangers 0–0 West Ham (Ibrox) |
| Players sidelined briefly | Cammy Devlin (calf), Thelo Aasgaard (shoulder) |
| Signings so far | 7 |
| Next competitive match | vs Dundee United, opening Premiership fixture |
With the transfer window still open, McInnes made clear he wants to bring in reinforcements, particularly to sharpen the team’s attacking options. He stressed the club will continue to target players who can improve the side in the final third, both for domestic competition and European commitments.
The manager’s pragmatic tone suggests squad fitness is in reasonable shape as the competitive season approaches, but the coming days may be crucial for any late recruitment aimed at addressing the weaknesses he identified.
