With 11 Rangers players away on international duty, the club is hoping their time away boosts confidence ahead of their return to Auchenhowie and Ibrox. The team has had a disappointing start still winless in the Scottish Premiership and already out of the Champions League putting manager Russell Martin under mounting pressure.
Despite the rocky beginning, the club’s owners, the 49ers, are currently backing Martin. Encouragingly, one Rangers player delivered a standout performance during the international break, catching many by surprise and forcing a BBC pundit to swiftly retract earlier criticism. His unexpected heroics could offer a much-needed lift for both the player and the club.
Derek Cornelius Leaves Pundit Speechless with Stunning Free-Kick Against Wales
Derek Cornelius produced a moment of brilliance in Canada’s 1-0 win over Wales in Swansea, catching BBC Wales pundit Nathan Blake completely off guard. The former Wolves and Leicester striker admitted he was surprised to see a centre-back step up for a free-kick but Cornelius silenced any doubts with a spectacular strike.
Blake said, “I was questioning why a centre-half was taking it, but he’s just rammed it down my throat. Sometimes you’ve just got to applaud fantastic quality.”
Beyond his goal, Cornelius delivered a commanding defensive performance, registering 6 clearances, 2 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 recoveries, according to FotMob.
Rangers boss Russell Martin will be eager to hand Cornelius his debut in the upcoming clash against Hearts. If the Canadian defender can replicate his international form at Ibrox, he could prove to be a major asset for the club.
Derek Cornelius Tipped to Be Rangers’ Key Signing This Season
Derek Cornelius is expected to form a central defensive partnership with John Souttar, who impressed for Scotland with two clean sheets during the international break. With Nasser Djiga underperforming, Cornelius is likely to step into the starting lineup as Rangers aim to tighten up defensively.
The Canadian international brings composure, calmness, and the added threat of set-piece brilliance qualities that could prove crucial in close matches, starting with the upcoming showdown against Hearts. Cornelius has the potential to become one of the most impactful additions to the Rangers squad this season.
