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Tuur Rommens has been brought back into the side at left-back, allowing James Penrice to move into midfield, while Badredine Bouanani has also been handed a start at Hampden.
🎙️ Derek McInnes spoke to @RangersTV ahead of today's Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final against Aberdeen at Hampden. https://t.co/lOLmXF5HpD
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 31, 2026
McInnes revealed Rommens had forced his way into his thinking with his performances in training and believes moving Penrice further forward will give Rangers greater balance.
Speaking to club media, he said: “I just think with three games in a week, Tuur has been chomping at the bit, really, for the past couple of weeks, and he's been training really well. He is a key player for us, and I think that getting Tuur back at left-back can give us so much.
“Obviously, James Penrice is still in the team as well, where he can play more of a midfield role. I firmly believe James can play that role and gives us balance to the team.
“Tuur has convinced me with his training over the past couple of weeks. He came on the other day, and it was important minutes, because we were thinking about him for this game.”
McInnes has also turned to Bouanani for the Hampden showdown despite the winger still working his way back towards full fitness.
The Rangers boss insists the big stage represents the perfect opportunity for Bouanani to show what he can do.
McInnes added: “Again, for Bad on the other side, I always had him in my head for this game as well.
“He's coming from a long way back, in terms of fitness, but we believe this is a good stage for him to go and showcase his talent.”