Tuur Rommens has spent most of the autumn watching from the sidelines, and his long-awaited return has finally arrived. The Belgian left-back had missed 11 weeks with a groin problem he picked up in the 2-1 defeat to Hibs, an absence far longer than the four to eight weeks first feared. His comeback came off the bench in Rangers’ 4-0 win over St Johnstone. [scotsman](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/returning-rangers-star-opens-up-on-fight-for-starting-spot-amid-cannot-win-title-with-11-men-claim-9307989)
Speaking afterwards, Rommens admitted it felt good to be back, particularly after such a lengthy spell out. Missing the big games clearly stung. Watching the Old Firm fixtures from the stands was hard for a player who joined from Westerlo in January and quickly became one of the more influential figures in the side.
A lot has changed at Ibrox while he was away. James Penrice arrived on a season-long loan from AEK Athens and took his chance at left-back, becoming an important part of a Rangers resurgence that has produced eight wins in their last nine games in all competitions. That makes Rommens’ return far more interesting than a simple like-for-like swap. Derek McInnes now has a genuine selection dilemma, and Rommens has made it clear he wants a major part in the season ahead. [scotsman](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/returning-rangers-star-opens-up-on-fight-for-starting-spot-amid-cannot-win-title-with-11-men-claim-9307989)
Rather than resent the competition, he sees it as a good thing. He has spoken positively about his new team-mates and believes a strong squad is exactly what Rangers need if they hope to challenge for the title. Depth, after all, was something the club was painfully short of in August, when McInnes admitted they were playing with fire.
Rommens was also careful not to overstate the mood in the dressing room. Asked whether the mentality at Rangers has changed, he replied that it has, but that the team must prove it over a full campaign.
The timing of his return is notable, with a trip to Hearts looming on Wednesday night. Having waited so long to get back, Rommens will be desperate to make up for lost time.
Sources: [Rangers Review](https://www.rangersreview.co.uk/interviews/26667695.tuur-rommens-explains-lengthy-rangers-absence/), [The Scotsman](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/returning-rangers-star-opens-up-on-fight-for-starting-spot-amid-cannot-win-title-with-11-men-claim-9307989), [Inside Ibrox](https://insideibrox.com/tuur-rommens-rangers-return-james-penrice-dilemma)
