Rangers began the 2026/27 campaign with renewed confidence under Derek McInnes, who reshaped the squad with 14 summer arrivals and built a side capable of playing with greater physical intensity. A seven-game winning run across all competitions strengthened belief at Ibrox, although last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Dundee exposed weaknesses that McInnes still needs to address.
The result proved frustrating for the visitors, particularly after they surrendered their advantage at Dens Park. Celtic then capitalised with a 7-1 victory over Hearts, leaving Rangers four points behind their Glasgow rivals in the Scottish Premiership.
Attention has since turned to McInnes’ selection decisions, especially his choice to leave one of the club’s major summer recruits out of the starting XI against Dundee.
Kevin Kelsy arrived from Portland Timbers for a reported £9.5 million fee, giving Rangers a physically imposing centre-forward who can challenge defenders in the air and provide a focal point for attacking moves. The 22-year-old Venezuelan made an encouraging impression by scoring on his first full start against Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup before finding the net against Kilmarnock.
However, McInnes selected the striker among his substitutes for the Dundee fixture, prompting questions about his condition, although the manager did not publicly confirm an injury or illness.
Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson offered a possible explanation on the Open Goal podcast, questioning whether the forward had picked up a minor injury or suffered from the illness reportedly affecting members of the squad.
“Has Kelsy been off it? Is he carrying a niggle?” he said. “I thought before there was a bit of illness going round. “When I saw the team, I thought he must be struggling a bit.”
His comments have added uncertainty ahead of Saturday’s meeting with St Johnstone at Ibrox.
Can Rangers afford to lose Kelsy’s physical presence in attack?
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 10: Kevin Kelsy of Rangers is seen during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Glasgow Rangers and Kilmarnock at Ibrox Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Kelsy’s early league numbers suggest that Rangers have good reason to value his contribution. Across five Scottish Premiership appearances, including three starts, the striker has played 256 minutes, attempted nine shots and recorded an expected goals figure of 1.34. He has scored twice for Rangers across all competitions, while his 16 aerial duel victories from 19 duels underline his usefulness against physical defenders.
Ryan Naderi could benefit most from Kelsy’s return. The German forward can struggle when opponents isolate him against centre-backs, whereas Kelsy’s height and hold-up play give Rangers another route into the penalty area. Badredine Bouanani’s goal against Dundee offers McInnes another attacking option, but Djeidi Gassama could make way if the manager wants to restore Kelsy without sacrificing his preferred two-striker structure.
There is a difference between protecting a player and leaving him out because the system works better without him. If the Venezuelan has a genuine fitness problem, Rangers must avoid risking a £9.5 million investment for one league fixture. However, if he remains fit, McInnes needs to explain how his absence benefits the team tactically.
Rangers have invested heavily in rebuilding their attack, and that spending demands results. Kelsy’s aerial strength gives Naderi support, creates space for the wingers and offers a direct option when possession breaks down. Against St Johnstone, McInnes must decide whether the striker needs protection or whether his side simply performs better with its most imposing forward leading the line.