Rangers’ Derek McInnes on St. Johnstone’s Form in Pre-Match Presser

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has confirmed a sickness bug in his squad ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Premiership match against St. Johnstone at Ibrox Stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm on Saturday 24 October, with Chris Graham the referee.

McInnes spoke about the number of players affected, a concern over a key player, the effect of extra training days and an update on Tuur Rommens. Rangers are second in the table on 20 points, while St. Johnstone are fifth on 12.

A bug in the squad

“There’s a bit of a bug going about.”

What he said

McInnes opened by confirming that illness has been moving through the Rangers squad in the build-up to the St. Johnstone game.

What he meant

This is the first time the illness has been raised as a factor in preparation. Rangers already have five players listed as absent through injury: José Cifuentes, Youssef Chermiti, Daisuke Yokota, Lawrence Shankland and John Souttar. Any further loss would come on top of those.

How many are affected

“There’s been half a dozen players or so.”

What he said

McInnes put a rough figure on how many players have been hit by the bug.

What he meant

Six players is a sizeable part of a matchday squad. The phrasing suggests the count has been moving, and he did not name the players. The word ‘been’ implies some may already be back, though he did not say so directly.

A call about a key player

“Even last night I got a call from the doctor about a key player as well.”

What he said

McInnes said the club doctor contacted him the previous night about a key player who is also unwell.

What he meant

The fact that the call came so late shows the situation was still developing close to the game. He did not name the player, so the extent of the concern is not clear from his words.

Checking on his recovery

“I’ve seen the doctor again today, and hopefully he’s better again tomorrow.”

What he said

McInnes said he had spoken to the doctor again and is hoping the player improves by the following day.

What he meant

The word ‘hopefully’ shows the player’s availability is not yet settled. With Rangers already missing five players through injury, the outcome of this one could matter to the team he names.

Hoping to avoid changes

“No, I’m hoping not.”

What he said

Asked whether the illness would force changes to the team, McInnes said he hopes it will not.

What he meant

It is a hope rather than a guarantee. His answer fits with the previous comments about the doctor’s updates, which suggest he will wait until close to kick-off before he is sure of his XI.

Working on the tactical side

“We’re trying to minimise that and work towards tactically being the best we can coming into the game on Saturday and bringing a good performance.”

What he said

McInnes said the staff are trying to limit the effect of the illness and concentrate on Rangers’ tactical preparation.

What he meant

His focus on tactics and performance, rather than on the illness itself, shows he wants the preparation to carry on as planned. Rangers have won five of their last six in all competitions listed, scoring 10 and conceding 4, and the last of those matches was a 2-2 draw at Dundee on Saturday 17 October.

Extra training days

“Having those extra training days of course helps you with that, but it doesn’t guarantee performance.”

What he said

McInnes said the additional training days have been useful in his preparation, while adding that they do not guarantee a good display.

What he meant

He is balancing the benefit of more time on the training pitch against the disruption caused by the bug. The comment reads as a measured one: extra preparation helps, but he is not treating it as an advantage in itself.

Rommens and the bug

“Unfortunately for us, Tuur Rommens, who the game was kind of for, amongst others, but particularly Tuur, was one of the ones who had the bug, and we never managed to get him on the pitch, although he’s trained since then, yesterday and today.”

What he said

McInnes said Rommens was among the players who had the bug and that Rangers did not manage to get him on the pitch. He added that the player has trained both yesterday and today.

What he meant

Rommens’ return to training is a positive sign after the illness. McInnes did not say whether he will be involved on Saturday, so his selection remains open.

Confidence check: Measured

McInnes sounds measured rather than bullish. He was open about the illness, said he hopes there will be no forced changes, and spoke of a key player who is still being monitored. His comment that extra training days do not guarantee performance also stopped short of any confident claim.

The league form gives him reasons for optimism. Rangers are second with 20 points from nine games, having won six, drawn two and lost one, with 13 goals scored and seven conceded. They have won four and drawn one of their last five league matches.

St. Johnstone are fifth with 12 points, and their record of three wins, three draws and three defeats comes with 11 goals for and 11 against. They have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five league games, and drew 1-1 at home to Dundee United in their latest match.

How to watch

Rangers vs St. Johnstone is not shown live on UK television: Saturday 3pm kick-offs fall in the UK broadcast blackout.