THE questions are tough and the problems are difficult to solve but one provides a welcome conundrum for Pedro Caixinha.
The arrival of nine players at Ibrox this summer has given his squad a fresh look heading into the new Premiership campaign and the team that takes to the field at Fir Park next month will be drastically different to the one that rounded off last term.
It is in midfield where the biggest changes have been made so far as Emerson Hyndman and Jon Toral left at the end of their loan deals before Andy Halliday clinched a move to Gabala. Caixinha has added strength and depth in the middle of the park, while a move for Kenny McLean remains a possibility.
Here, SportTimes looks at who Caixinha has at his disposal in the central areas and what the future may hold for those that are bidding for a starting spot this season.
RYAN JACK
The Ibrox crowd may know little about most of Caixinha’s summer signings but Jack needs no introduction after becoming an integral part of the Aberdeen side in recent years.
He started both legs of the Europa League qualifier with Progres and was one of the few to emerge with any credit.
Jack is not a playmaker or renowned for his scoring exploits but he will perform an important role as part of a midfield two or three and help dictate play and turn defence into attack.
JORDAN ROSSITER
Saying the former Liverpool kid is like a new signing this summer may be a bit of a cliché, but Rossiter’s return to fitness is a timely boost for Rangers.
He impressed in his handful of appearances last term before a series of injuries ruined his first campaign at Ibrox and left him out of action for several months.
The 20-year-old has got much-needed game time under his belt this summer. It would be wrong to expect or demand too much too soon as he gets back to his best but he will have a part to play this term.
CARLOS PENA
Caixinha knows the Mexican well and was keen to bring him to Ibrox as part of his summer rebuilding job but he wasn’t fit enough to play any part against Progres.
Pena has been capped 19 times for his country but has a mixed reputation in his homeland. Caixinha could bring out the best in him once again, though.
A box-to-box midfielder, Pena will add energy and drive to the side and Caixinha needs his faith in him to pay off.
GRAHAM DORRANS
Rangers had to wait to finally land their man but it should prove worth it if Dorrans can hit the heights he is undoubtedly capable of following his move from Norwich.
He can play in defensive and attacking roles and the 30-year-old could prove to be one of the signings of the summer for Caixinha.
A lifelong Gers fan, he will be well aware of the expectations on his shoulders and what it will take to succeed at Ibrox.
NIKO KRANJCAR
A cruciate knee ligament injury brought Kranjcar’s season to a premature end last term and he faces the same questions now as he did last summer.
His ability and attitude have never been in doubt but he hasn’t played a lot of football in recent years and it will take time for him to find his fitness and sharpness.
The Croatian has undoubted talent, though, and he does have a role in the Light Blues squad in the coming months.
JASON HOLT
A key member of the side that won the Championship under Mark Warburton, Holt struggled in the Premiership last time out.
He can’t be faulted for effort or endeavour but many fans remain unconvinced that he has the quality to dominate a midfield in the manner that Rangers require.
The 24-year-old may not leave this summer, but he has certainly fallen down the Ibrox pecking order and could struggle for game time.
JOSH WINDASS
Started brightly following his switch from Accrington Stanley but he quickly faltered and has never really recovered. His future is now uncertain.
Ended last term with just one goal to his name and will surely find it tough to break into the team once Caixinha has everyone in his squad up to speed this season.
MATT CROOKS
Arrived at Ibrox with Windass still nursing an injury from his time at Stanley and never showed why Warburton brought him north of the border.
Made just three appearances before joining Scunthorpe on loan and Rangers are unlikely to stand in his way if he wants to leave this summer.
HARRY FORRESTER
Made just one appearance under Caixinha last season and won’t play for Rangers again as he heads for the Ibrox exit door.
Has fallen out of favour and upset his boss and a return to England is on the cards for the 26-year-old.
JORDAN THOMPSON
The former Manchester United kid signed an extension to his Gers deal in January but spent the whole season on loan at Raith Rovers.
There are plenty of players in front of him for a starting spot and he may have to move on again in an attempt to convince Caixinha he has a long-term future at Ibrox.
JAMIE BARJONAS
Was handed his debut against Partick Thistle in May and also turned out against Hearts, Aberdeen and St Johnstone as he stepped up from the Under-20s.
Has shown he has potential but is unlikely to get many chances in the side with so many options available to Caixinha at present.
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