Derek McInnes has never been shy about rewarding players who earn it on the training pitch, and for Rangers’ Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden, the player who did exactly that is Tuur Rommens. The Belgian full-back has been recalled at left-back, which lets James Penrice move into a midfield role, and McInnes says Rommens convinced him with his training over the past couple of weeks. The manager also pointed to the minutes Rommens had off the bench in the previous game, saying they were important because the club already had this fixture in mind for him.
It is a selection that will raise eyebrows, but it also makes sense. McInnes has come under fire from some supporters for his team choices in recent draws with Dundee and Hearts, and Rangers needed a last-minute goal from Olwethu Makhanya to rescue a 2-2 draw at Tynecastle. Many fans expected Ben Godfrey to be the man recalled, so picking Rommens was a vote for form in training over reputation, and that is the kind of call managers make when they trust what they see every day.
Badredine Bouanani has also been given a start despite still working his way back to full fitness. McInnes called Hampden a good stage for him to showcase his talent. The pressure on McInnes is obvious, since the club has won only one league title, one Scottish Cup and one League Cup in 14 years. A first trophy of his reign would calm plenty of nerves around Ibrox.
Aberdeen, under Stephen Robinson, arrive in poor form, having lost three of their last four games, but semi-finals have a habit of ignoring form. If Rommens delivers, McInnes will look like a manager who rewarded the right man at the right time. If not, the questions about selection will only get louder.
