Rangers

Derek Llambias denies suggestions Rangers board are picking the team

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 05 February 2015

Derek Llambias rejects suggestions that the Rangers board are picking the team after Kenny McDowall claimed that he has been forced to play five Newcastle loanees.

Rangers chief executive Derek Llambias has rejected suggestions that the board are picking the team.

Manager Kenny McDowall claimed earlier today that he has been forced to play all five Newcastle United loanees in every game if they are fit.

Giri Bigirimana, Remie Streete, Haris Vuckic, Shane Ferguson and Kevin Mbabu signed for Rangers on loan from the Premier League club on transfer deadline day on Monday.

The move went through after Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, who also owns a nine percent share in Rangers, had a £10m loan deal accepted by the financially stricken club.

Despite McDowall's claims today, Llambias hit back by telling Sky Sports News: "There's no way the board is picking the team.

"The basis of any loan deal is that the players who arrive bolster the side and give the squad more depth. That's exactly what is happening here."

Rangers are second in the Scottish Championship table, 16 points below leaders Hearts.