David Weir suggests concern about Rangers’s centre-backs

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David Weir has admitted that he is concerned about Rangers’s group of centre-backs as he suggested, in comments reported by the Evening Times, that it is not a good sign when a team has a number of positions up for grabs.

Rangers go into the international break at the top of the Scottish Premiership. And Steven Gerrard’s men boast the best defensive record in the division, having conceded just five goals in their opening eight games.

Connor Goldson has started every league game so far. But he has already had three different partners, with Nikola Katic starting five times, Filip Helander making two starts and George Edmundson coming in against Hamilton Academical at the weekend.

The Gers’ performance and defensive record this term suggests that they have made real progress. But Weir admitted that he still has concerns about the heart of the defence.

“Goldson and Katic looked like they were the favoured two from the start of the season. Helander and Edmundson were in the background pushing so there is competition which always helps to keep them on their toes,” he said, as reported by the Evening Times. “But I don’t think anyone has nailed it down yet and I don’t think it is ever a good sign if too many positions are up for grabs.

“The goalkeeper is obviously very good, with a good back up. But in the best teams you can almost name the back four – the relationship, the knowledge of each other.”

TBR’s View

There have been occasions when Rangers’s defenders have faced criticism. It does appear that some of the Ibrox faithful are generally not as convinced about Goldson as Gerrard clearly is.

Meanwhile, both Katic and Helander have had questions asked about their displays in recent games against Livingston.

However, there can surely be no doubt that Rangers’s defence is significantly stronger than it has been at any stage since their return to the top flight. And it does appear that the centre-backs are giving Gerrard a selection headache that he will be delighted to have.