Sterling Likely to Miss Falkirk Trip as Rangers New Signings Prepare

Dujon Sterling has been backed to miss Rangers’ trip to Falkirk, with former Ibrox forward Greg Stewart predicting the defender will be left out on the artificial surface.

Rangers head into the tie with a squad that barely resembles last season’s. A summer overhaul has handed Derek McInnes options all over the pitch and, crucially, real competition in the defensive positions.

Two of those pushing hardest are Ross McCrorie and Kosta Nedeljkovic. Both arrived at Ibrox in the summer and both can see the Falkirk fixture for what it is: a chance to turn minutes into a meaningful claim for a starting jersey.

Stewart questions Sterling’s involvement on astro

Speaking alongside Ian Durrant on the 5 Stars Podcast, Stewart homed in on one thing that always stirs debate in Scotland – the plastic pitch.

“Astro turf as well, it always comes into play. So, it'll be interesting to see how the new boys, that are not used to it, take to it,” Stewart said. “I don't think Sterling will play well because of that.”

It was a blunt assessment and one that instantly sharpened the focus on McInnes’ team sheet. If the manager shares those concerns, he has ready-made alternatives who will be desperate to seize any opening.

McCrorie and Nedeljkovic eye their moment

If Sterling does drop out, the door swings open for McCrorie or Nedeljkovic to step through.

McCrorie’s return to Rangers in the summer brought a familiar face back to Ibrox, this time with Premiership experience and the kind of versatility managers lean on across a long campaign. So far, though, his limited minutes have underwhelmed. Falkirk away, on a tricky surface, is exactly the sort of game that can flip a narrative.

Nedeljkovic, on loan from Aston Villa, is still bedding into Scottish football and into McInnes’ defensive structure. He represents a different profile and a fresh option as the manager pieces together his preferred back line.

A start at Falkirk would give either player a clear stage: perform, and you don’t just win a place for the night, you force your way deeper into McInnes’ thinking. With Rangers having bulked up their depth right across the squad during the summer window, every opportunity now feels loaded with consequence.

Durrant expects continuity after strong display

While Stewart is looking at who might come in, Durrant believes McInnes will largely stick with what worked.

“I don't think he'll tinker too much, I think. After that result and how well they played, and how well they battled,” he said.

“They all like to play a brand of football, which I think will suit Rangers. They always like to be on the front foot, they knock it about.

“I'm sure Rangers now, if they're on their A game, they can pick them off.”

The message is clear: minor tweaks, not a reset. Keep the core, adjust around the edges. That makes the Sterling call even more intriguing. Any change there would be deliberate, not rotational.

Falkirk’s pitch adds an awkward twist

The game’s sub-plot sits underfoot. Falkirk’s artificial pitch remains a rarity at the top level, and a contentious one.

The club were granted a grace period to replace the surface after winning promotion to the Premiership the season before last. For now, they stand alone. Kilmarnock have gone back to grass. Livingston’s relegation removed another plastic pitch from the division.

That leaves Falkirk as the only top-flight Scottish side still playing on astro, and it’s exactly the kind of factor that can nudge a selection call one way or the other.

If Stewart has read it right and Sterling is left out because of the surface, the spotlight will swing firmly onto McCrorie or Nedeljkovic. One of them could walk off that pitch not just with a result, but with a head start in the race for McInnes’ trust as the season gathers pace.