Steven Gerrard explains ‘jaded’ Rangers player Daniel Candeias needed a rest in Hearts win

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Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has explained that Daniel Candeias has looked “slightly jaded” lately and was pleased to give him a rest on Wednesday night.

The right-winger was an unused substitute, as the Light Blues recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over Hearts at Ibrox.

Jermain Defoe made the most of his start with the opening goal, while Connor Goldson and then Scott Arfield also got on the scoresheet in the league match.

Candeias is usually an ever-present as the right-winger in the team and he got the night off in mid-week to rest ahead of a game away to Motherwell at the weekend.

“Daniel Candeias put a mighty shift in at Celtic Park and he’s obviously played an awful lot lately. He has looked slightly jaded so I wanted to give him some oxygen and energy tonight,” Gerrard said, as quoted by the club’s official Twitter account.

TBR’s View:

Candeias will benefit greatly from his rest on Wednesday and would have been happy to see his teammates get the job done, as they bounced back from the Old Firm defeat to Celtic in their last match.

The 31-year-old is usually one of the most consistent performers for the Scottish giants and is a serious threat from the flank.

It’s no surprise that he may be struggling with some exhaustion, as he normally puts in a phenomenal effort both offensively and tracking back defensively.

He’s been directly involved in 16 goals in 46 games for Rangers this season and will be hoping for a strong finish to the season.