Dropping Rangers winger Daniel Candeias backfired on Steven Gerrard

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Rangers were beaten 2-1 away to Kilmarnock on Wednesday night in the Scottish Premiership, which knocked the stuffing out of them on their return after the winter break.

The Light Blues are now three points behind leaders Celtic and were overtaken by Kilmarnock in the table too.

After a positive start with Jermain Defoe’s first Gers goal, they looked off the pace for the rest of the match and slipped back into old habits of inconsistency.

Steven Gerrard did make some notable decisions with his team selection, which included starts for January recruits Defoe and Steven Davis.

But that came at a cost with in-form pair Daniel Candeias and Ross McCrorie dropping to the bench.

Rangers’ decision with Candeias is especially one that backfired on him, as the absence of him in the team was clear to see.

The Gers opted to go with a more narrow formation against Kilmarnock and they missed the 30-year-old out wide.

Candeias is a right-winger that usually hogs the touchline and gives his side the option to switch play, while he managed to pick up some good form in December.

The Portuguese ace also has a tremendous work-rate that is rarely match by any of his teammates and the defensive work he does can’t be underestimated.

James Taverier was left exposed without his usual winger in front of him and it seemed harsh to axe Candeias after his positive display in the win over Old Firm rivals Celtic.

Rangers look a balanced unit with Candeias in the team and Ryan Kent on the opposite flank, which is why it will be intriguing to see if Gerrard goes back to his tested formation.