Sterling Likely to Miss Falkirk Trip as Rangers New Signings Prepare

Dujon Sterling has been tipped 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 refreshed squad and a manager spoiled for choice. Derek McInnes has options everywhere, and this cup assignment offers a clear audition for those still trying to nail down a starting place.

Two names sit right at the front of that queue: Ross McCrorie and Kosta Nedeljkovic.

Stewart questions Sterling’s involvement on astro

Speaking alongside Ian Durrant on the 5 Stars Podcast, Stewart homed in on one thing above all: the 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,” he said. “I don't think Sterling will play well because of that.”

It was a blunt assessment, but it cut straight to the selection dilemma. Sterling has become an important figure, yet an artificial surface at Falkirk, and the physical demands that come with it, could tempt McInnes to protect him.

If that call is made, others will be ready to pounce.

McCrorie and Nedeljkovic eye their opening

The potential absence of Sterling would swing the door wide open for one of Rangers’ summer additions to step through and stay there.

McCrorie’s return to Ibrox in the summer came with expectation. He brings Premiership experience, positional flexibility and a familiarity with the club that most new signings don’t have. So far, though, his limited minutes have been underwhelming. Falkirk offers a chance to change that narrative in one night.

Nedeljkovic, on loan from Aston Villa, is still bedding in, another piece in McInnes’ reshaped defensive jigsaw. He doesn’t yet have the same profile as some of Rangers’ other arrivals, but a strong performance on a tricky surface would accelerate his case for regular football.

A start at Falkirk wouldn’t just be about getting through the tie. It would be about staking a claim, forcing McInnes to think twice before writing the next team sheet.

That edge matters. Rangers have added serious depth across the squad during the summer window, and places will not be handed out on reputation alone.

Durrant expects McInnes to keep faith

While Stewart looked at the pitch, Durrant focused on the performance levels.

“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.

Durrant expects Rangers to lean into their identity rather than overthink the occasion.

“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.”

So the tension is clear: a manager encouraged to stick with a winning side, but also tempted to rotate in a position where the pitch, the opponent and the squad depth all invite a change.

Falkirk’s surface adds another twist

Falkirk’s artificial pitch remains an awkward subplot. The club were granted a grace period to replace the surface after winning promotion to the Premiership the season before last, and they now stand alone.

They are the only top-flight Scottish side still playing on astro after Kilmarnock’s return to grass and Livingston’s relegation. That uniqueness makes every visit different, and for some managers, every selection that bit more complicated.

If Stewart is right and Sterling sits this one out, McCrorie or Nedeljkovic will not just be filling a gap. They will be stepping into a spotlight that could shape their standing under McInnes for months to come.

For a revamped Rangers squad, this isn’t just another early-season cup tie. It’s a test of who is ready to turn opportunity into something more permanent.