'Rohl must get more from Rangers players'

Having watched Rangers in the flesh twice in the last week, I am struggling to see significant improvements from what I saw earlier in the season under Russell Martin.

Other than looking a little less open and vulnerable at the back, the change of manager has failed to bring about a noticeable uptick in performances, with a lack of creativity and goal-threat still a serious issue.

Few Rangers supporters will be looking at Wednesday night's trip to Tannadice to take on a faltering Dundee United side with any great degree of optimism after an especially uninspiring display against Falkirk.

Some observers suggest Danny Rohl is limited in what he can change given the players at his disposal, but while there may be some merit to that argument, there are some areas where he could get more out of the current squad.

The most glaringly obvious one revolves round his use of Djeidi Gassama who, for me, has been Rangers' most dangerous player this season.

The young Frenchman was at his best earlier in the season cutting in off the left to create and score goals yet this week he was used on the right flank against Braga, where he is clearly less effective, and then brought on as a second-half substitute on Sunday.

Now I appreciate Rohl knows his strengths a lot better than I do and maybe his form has dipped of late, but if you play your best players in their best position, you surely give yourself a better chance of success.

Similarly, the right-footed Max Aarons has been preferred at left-back in the last couple of games to Jayden Meghoma and the effect of that has been to stymie Rangers' ability to progress the ball quickly down the left as Aarons naturally wants to come infield on his stronger foot.

Nedim Bajrami was probably Rangers' best player against Falkirk (a low bar admittedly) and should perhaps be tried in the number 10 role, with Thelo Aasgaard yet to convince fans of his worth.

The right wing continues to be an area where Rangers struggle. The decision not to bring in Vaclav Cerny on a permanent deal, given the other recruitment done in the summer, continues to baffle me. Findlay Curtis, despite also preferring the left, would be worth a try there.

The conundrum of who should lead the line remains. Bojan Miovski should be the obvious choice but looks a shadow of the player who previously graced the league, though a dearth of decent service hasn't helped, while Danilo needs a partner up there and Youssef Chermiti continues to struggle.

As mentioned previously, January is going to be massive for Rohl and Rangers but he needs to get more from the current squad in the interim.