Gerrard comments on the availability of Super Eagles duo for Rangers next game

Nigeria internationals Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun did not play a part in Glasgow Rangers' 2-1 loss to Malmo in the first leg, third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening.

While the central defender was serving a suspension carried over from last season's Europa League, no explanation was provided as to why the midfielder was omitted from the matchday squad despite featuring in Rangers' opening match of the season versus Livingston.

Against Malmo, the Light Blues were lucky to return to Ibrox with a goal thanks to Steven Davies late, late strike in the 95th minute.

With Rangers chasing the game, Gerrard was reluctant to throw inexperienced young players such as Calvin Bassey into the fray and used only one of his substitutes, bringing on Fashion Sakala in the 63rd minute.

The former Liverpool captain namechecked Aribo and Balogun when asked about his plans for the upcoming game against Dundee United.

Speaking to Rangers TV post-match, Gerrard said : "At the weekend, I'm hoping to have Aribo, Kamara, Roofe, Balogun available, obviously big Jon comes back into the thinking as well so we will be a lot stronger in terms of the squad at the weekend and we'll need to be and we'll need to perform better.

"I've said to the boys in there that my honest opinion is there are six or seven that need to raise their level and raise it sharply."

Rangers face Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Saturday, August 7, three days before their showdown with Malmo at Ibrox Stadium.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel