Rangers add Dujon Sterling to Europa League squad as Derek Cornelius sidelined
Rangers have added Dujon Sterling to their squad for the remainder of the Europa League league phase after learning that Derek Cornelius will be out until at least the end of January.
The versatile Sterling is closing in on a return to full fitness after being sidelined since April 10 due to an Achilles injury.
The Englishman’s availability, after playing for Gers’ under-19 team on Monday, coincides with a shortage of options at centre-back, with the first-choice pairing of John Souttar and Cornelius picking up injuries in the recent international break.
Danny Rohl revealed at his press conference ahead of Thursday’s Europa League visit from Braga that Canada defender Cornelius has undergone surgery and will be out for at least two months.
“Derek has the surgery in the morning today, that means he will for sure be longer out,” said the manager.
“Minimum, the end of January, if not longer.
“We put Dujon now on the (European squad) list. But still, for him, after the first game minutes on Monday, this is a process.
“If you are out six months, it’s not easy to be ready straight after one week. But it was a decision also for the next European games to cover this position, then hopefully in the next games.”
Rangers are bottom of the Europa League table at the half-way stage. Their disastrous start to the season, which saw them win only one of their opening eight league matches, lose seven European matches in a row and change managers last month led to chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell being sacked by the club’s American owners this week.
“It’s always not nice when some people around you get sacked,” said manager Rohl.
“I had a good relationship with Kevin, we were always in a daily business, we spoke to each other, with Patrick as well.
“They were also involved in the process when I arrived here, building up something.
“Then I got a call from Andrew (Cavenagh, the chairman). He gave me this message, then we had a meeting, a dinner together, we spoke about the situation, the process, and now it’s about moving forward, looking forward to the future. This is football, what sometimes happens, and for me it’s now about focusing on the next games and the next processes.
“I’m close to Andrew, we are in contact every day. There are also still good people around me, they support me, I think this is crucial. I cannot do this alone or make decisions alone, I think it’s important to understand we have a good structure in the club.
“Of course it changed now, but we have an interim CEO, Fraser (Thornton) is very experienced, he will help me. I have some guys from the board, from the 49ers around me, and we also have a recruitment department.
“We all have to go together in one direction, we know we have to do something, and let’s see what we can do.”