Key Rangers duo defy sports science as stars put bodies on the line for Barry Ferguson in Fenerbahce blockbuster

The massive clash with the Turkish heavyweights is the Light Blues’ last shot at silverware this season and it’s all systems go

Leon Balogun and John Souttar have pledged to put their bodies on the line to help boss Barry Ferguson attempt to salvage Rangers’ season in Istanbul.

Record Sport understands the defence stalwarts are prepared to defy sports science in order to make themselves available for selection by the interim manager in Thursday night’s Europa League last 16 showdown with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. Clement, of course, infamously and repeatedly blamed sports science for the decision to rest key players in huge defeats that ultimately cost him his job at Ibrox. Balogun had to be thrown back into action from the bench at half time during Saturday’s defeat at home to Motherwell, despite only training for a total of 25 minutes the previous day after returning from a lengthy injury lay off.

Ferguson turned to the experienced Nigerian international during the interval in an emergency move after deciding to haul off Robin Propper at the break. The Dutchman had endured another nightmarish 45 minutes, leaving Ferguson 2-0 down for the second time in days since his appointment as Philippe Clement’s replacement.

The 36-year-old defender was scheduled to be given a late run out in the game but insisted he was ready to try and dig his side out of a hole in the second half. And now Souttar is also ready to go the extra mile for Ferguson after returning to training on Monday morning following his own lengthy absence.

It’s understood both men took part in a full session at Auchowie on Tuesday and, barring any adverse reactions in the morning, they will be on the flight to Turkey as to bolster Ferguson’s defensive options for his showdown with former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Mourinho.

In his first game in charge of the crisis-ravaged Rangers side at Kilmarnock last Wednesday, Ferguson hauled off youngster Clinton Nsiala during the first half, after seeing the Rugby Park men storm into a two goal lead. Propper stayed on the pitch that night but tested Ferguson’s patience again at the weekend with another ropey display as the Ibrox side buckled at the back again before being told to stay inside at the break.

These defensive calamities have added to the scale of the task confronting Ferguson against Fenerbahce. But, with Balogun and Souttar both ready and willing to step back into the firing line, it’ll come as a timely boost to the stand-in boss as he looks to defy the odds against European football’s self styled Special One.