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Jermain Defoe has been AXED from Rangers' Europa League squad. And Jordan Jones and George Edmundson have also been left out of the 21-man list. Steven Gerrard submitted his squad after being drawn in Group D alongside Benfica, Standard Liège and Lech Poznań. But due to a lack of homegrown players, Gers have been unable to fill the 25 man limit. UEFA rules state that clubs must have at least four club-trained players in the squad in addition to eight players trained in their home nation. But veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor is the only club-trained first-team player - forcing Gerrard to choose from a smaller pool. And it means that Northern Ireland cap Jones - who has recently battled his way back into Gerrard's plans - will miss out on European football for the second season in a row. Defender Edmundson has also been sacrificed, although there's room for new signing Bongani Zungu. Allan McGregor Jon McLaughlin James Tavernier Connor Goldson Filip Helander Leon Balogun Borna Barisic Calvin Bassey Ryan Jack Ianis Hagi Steven Davis Ryan Kent Bongani Zungu Joe Aribo Scott Arfield Glen Kamara Greg Stewart Cedric Itten Brandon Barker Alfredo Morelos Kemar Roofe

Biggest diving cheat in Scottish football since Larsson

Champions League winner Benni McCarthy insists he had no problem recommending Bongani Zungu to Rangers. The former Porto and Blackburn striker was approached by Gers coach Michael Beale about his fellow South African and gave a glowing report. McCarthy reckons the loanee, who joined on deadline day from Amiens, will fit in well at Ibrox. And he believes the midfielder will have no trouble with the physical aspect of the Scottish game. “I know Michael [Beale] very well as we were on the same Uefa coaching courses together, so he phoned me for a chat about Zungu,” McCarthy said. “When they were first interested in him they wanted to do some background checks. "They had a good idea of what kind of player he was and wanted my opinion on him as well. I told them they’d be getting a real good one if they signed him. "Not only is Zungu a great player, he is a fighter. I’ve watched him blossom over the last few years and Rangers have got themselves a fantastic footballer.” Speaking to the Scottish Sun, he added: “He is the complete midfielder, very comfortable on the ball and so strong in the tackle. He can play as a defensive midfielder too because he is so good at cleaning up. “But he also offers you an attacking threat and he can score goals.” https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/18776414.benni-mccarthy-happy-recommend-bongani-zungu-rangers-complete-midfielder/