Muff Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 LEE McCULLOCH is not expected to return to fitness in time for Sunday's Old Firm derby with Celtic at Ibrox.The midfielder has not played since early February after he needed an operation to remove a cyst in his knee.McCulloch has been making good progress in his recovery but suffered a setback a couple of weeks ago when he had excess fluid in the joint.Manager Walter Smith has not completely ruled him out of the final Old Firm game of the season but does not anticipate having the experienced star in his side.That comes as a setback after the veteran coach admitted he would be tempted to hand the former Wigan player an immediate return to his team if he was able to turn out.Jamie Ness has more of a chance of playing but he too is seen as a doubt ahead of the derby clash with Neil Lennon's team.Otherwise, Gers seem set to call upon the same men who performed so well at Tannadice in midweek as they beat Dundee United 4-0.Smith said: "We've had injuries for a while now and Lee and Jamie are two who have been touch and go in terms of coming back into the squad."I don't think they will make this weekend's game. Jamie maybe has a chance but I would say he is very doubtful."http://www.rangers.co.uk/articles/20110422/lee-facing-uphill-battle_2254024_2344515A game that McCulloch should not be starting, even if available. He has not kicked a ball since the start of February, and this game is far too important to throw a player in to the starting 11.As for Ness, not really that bothered if he misses out or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irwin Sparkes Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Neither would've played anywayIt'll either be Davis and Edu or Edu and Hutton in CM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jocky Broon Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 I think Walter would be daft to start McCulloch on Sunday even if he is fit.Bench definitely but not starting.Ness doesnt seem to be able to keep up his fitness levels so maybe bench too for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amac9 Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 When it comes to determining how long our players will be out for we never seem to get it close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueben_d Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Neither should start even if passed fit, they aren't match fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1st_Jan_1994 Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Why's Ness out again? he only just got back.I seriously need to question some of our medical team. Stuff like this happens way too much to us. I appreciate that bad injuries are bad injuries and simply can't be helped sometimes tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff Posted April 22, 2011 Author Share Posted April 22, 2011 Neither would've played anywayIt'll either be Davis and Edu or Edu and Hutton in CMFoster right-back, Whittaker into midfield?I hope not - Foster is shite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 There is no way the Jig should have been anywhere near the starting 11 on Sunday.When was the last time he had a competitive match? Even being on the bench would be an insult to the other players who ARE match fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delamonty Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 I think we have missed Lee. But this is not the right match to start someone who is not 100% fit and not kicked a ball in anger in months.Ness? Like him a lot ... Getting a wee bit concerned over his ability to remain fit though,Nae bother... GERS 3-0 celtc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff Posted April 22, 2011 Author Share Posted April 22, 2011 Why's Ness out again? he only just got back.I seriously need to question some of our medical team. Stuff like this happens way too much to us. I appreciate that bad injuries are bad injuries and simply can't be helped sometimes tho.What injury does Ness have anyway?Brought back too early? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1st_Jan_1994 Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 What injury does Ness have anyway?Brought back too early?They said something about growing pains, but it's probably his hamstring. If it is his hamstring then it would tie in with what you're suggesting - brought back too early! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papa Sasac Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Foster right-back, Whittaker into midfield?I hope not - Foster is shite.I know that's not what you would play, but there is absolutely no need to be shoehorning Whittaker into midfield, freeing up a spot at right back for Foster. We have 3 central midfielders available in Davis, Edu and Hutton. Literally no need to putting players in different positions, when what we have at the minute is pretty capable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1st_Jan_1994 Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Foster? god sake ... Commons and Izaguerrie would expose him like an alter boys arse after mass.Fucking shite, he's always caught suckered and found wanting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simplythebest Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Ness wouldn't have started, but I wouldn't have been shocked if Walter Smith had snuck McCulloch into the line up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff Posted April 22, 2011 Author Share Posted April 22, 2011 For me, Naismith should play on the right - to link midfield to attack, have a go and exploit Izaguirre's weakness - defending. We all know that we are going to get 100% from Naismith, and he will track back and get stuck in.Hutton, Davis and Edu in the middle of the park.Lafferty on the left, ahead of Wylde and Diouf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SirWalterSmithLegend Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 The area the game may be won, imo their midfield is much stronger than ours, I just hope Walter doesn't agree with me and counter it with 5 in there leaving Nika isolated up against 2 defenders himself.This is must win.To think Edu cost us more than Kayal, Ledley, Izaguirre and Commons is sickening!Let's hope the gaffer gets it right and goes for them. They can't handle teams who actually have a desire to beat them.Saying that, I don't think Lee will be missed, Jamie may be though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasGers Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Way too big a game to throw McCulloch straight in there, probably best to build up his fitness through sub appearances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amac9 Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 I rate Jamie Ness very highly and I know he is still young but he picks up too many injuries.He needs to get a good pre-season under his belt and build his fitness up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G.E.C. Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Ness needs to work on his fitness more. He looks knackered after an hour or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWTC Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 I think davis edu and naismith are certs in the mid, with lafferty out right against izibawbag again, got alot of joy in the final.Naismith never gave kayal a second in that final, and i think thats key in this one. Leaves whittaker a bit exposed though. Jelly up top, with either wylde or maybe even diouff out left. Usual back 4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL.I.AM Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Edu would have started anyway.worse than a man down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunslinger Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 http://www.rangers.co.uk/articles/20110422/lee-facing-uphill-battle_2254024_2344515A game that McCulloch should not be starting, even if available. He has not kicked a ball since the start of February, and this game is far too important to throw a player in to the starting 11.As for Ness, not really that bothered if he misses out or not.bring back wylde for hutton. i agree on jig but would have played ness for edu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irwin Sparkes Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Foster better be nowhere near the team Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irwin Sparkes Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 bring back wylde for hutton. i agree on jig but would have played ness for edu.Not the game to gamble on a wide man who's been awful in his last 4 startsLafferty will hopefully/rightfully start on the left Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunslinger Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Not the game to gamble on a wide man who's been awful in his last 4 startsLafferty will hopefully/rightfully start on the leftplay him on the right to dominate izzaguire in the air. not playing wylde to pin back wilson will be a mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts