Full Backs

[Frankie 8,562]

Perfect analysis Cal...

[calscot 0]

Thanks for the compliment...

[pete 2,499]

For left back Papac has been doing a reliable if unexciting job and seems to be getting better all the time at the role and is coming forward more.

 

We also still have Stevie Smith to come back and hopefully he can emulate Hutton after his injury.

 

So to me the left side is ok.

 

On the right we need Whittaker to get a run to recapture his Hibs form. At the time I thought we took him too early as he still seemed rough around the edges at Easter road and seemed far better at going forward than defending. That made many people think he'd make a good winger with defensive qualities and I think that's what role he could have initially been bought for.

 

However, with the sale of Hutton and his disappointing form on the wing, his destiny seems to be the right back slot, but he is yet to show he is of the required standard in that position.

 

It's a bit damning for him that Broadfoot, who is generally considered a middling centre half, is preferred to former Hibs man.

 

That brings me to Broadfoot and to many he's not really shown that he can play more than a bit part in the squad. To his credit he works hard in what is not his natural position but his pace is not great, he's a bit rash in the tackle and his distribution and crosses make many fans think that they could do a better job. Maybe, he's just not of the required standard for Rangers - as a first or even second choice anyway.

 

Then we have Dailly who looked reasonably good in January but now looks like he should go down the divisions or retire.

 

However, Mo Johnson said last night that Edu can play right back (although he's better in midfield) so the way WS sometimes picks his team, perhaps he'll slot in there...

 

So while it's a position lacking in quality, it's not lacking in quantity.

 

The trouble is that despite having plenty of players, central defence looks less solid. Brougherra is a definite first choice and looks quality; however, Weir doesn't look like he can last the pace of playing every week. I fancy Wier as good cover but would like a better first choice.

 

We have backup in Broadfoot, Dailly and Papac but that's not really comforting unless the latter can show the same consistency there as he has at full back.

 

Edu again can fill in at central defence but I think it's too important a role to put a midfielder into - including Hemdani, whom I expect to leave in any case.

 

So to me, a quality centre half is a priory over a full back. I would be happy for the cheque book to be closed if we brought a decent one in.

 

Agreed a good Centre-half is now the priority imo.

What about the Hearts guy Berra? He always looks good when i have seen him.

[Frankie 8,562]

I think Berra is a good player but lacks pace. I also doubt Hearts would sell him to us so don't fancy another Webster/Wigan scenario...

 

Perhaps the lad Suchy is a better option....?