'Surely?' - Ally McCoist in disbelief at what happened to Rangers star v Olympiacos

Ally McCoist was left stunned by Philippe Clement’s decision to substitute Dujon Sterling for Rangers in the 1-1 draw with Olympiacos.

The Ibrox hero reacted live on the TNT Sports match commentary as the Belgian brought Neraysho Kasanwirjo off the bench in the 52nd minute in Greece, suggesting injury could be the only rational explanation.

Sterling, 25, kept his place at right-back to start the Europa League match over captain James Tavernier after coming onto replace him in the 2-1 win over Motherwell on 3 November.

An animated Clement exchanged words with the former Chelsea man on the touchline as the change was made, as McCoist attempted to make sense of the move.

He said (6.53pm): “Surely that has to be an injury? Surely?”

Dujon Sterling started over Rangers captain James Tavernier

There wasn’t any obvious indication of injury to Sterling prior to his exit from the Europa League tie, where he was one of the more impressive performers.

Kasanwirjo himself has been a positive addition this season but it would have been a strange decision from the manager to single out Sterling for removal early in the second half if it was purely tactical.

Clement spoke ahead of the game about his doubts over the full-back’s ability to last 90 minutes at present [Rangers Review, 6 November] so removing him early likely plays into that, but his animated words to the defender on the way off potentially indicates the Sterling doesn’t feel the same.

It was notable in itself that Tavernier was left out of the starting XI, and didn’t come off the bench to reprise his position on the right of the back four, after his poor form continued with a nightmare performance against Motherwell.

He was introduced in the closing minutes as the Gers looked to close out a strong 1-1 result following Cyriel Dessers’ excellent equaliser, but whether he will return to the XI against Hearts at the weekend (10 November) remains to be seen.

All involved will hope McCoist is wrong and there is no injury issue for Sterling as it would be the latest in a frustrating series of set backs this term.

The former free transfer arrival from Chelsea was one of the standouts last season but has struggled to break into the side since the summer, and having finally got his chance to start ahead of the struggling skipper he won’t want anything to hold back his progress.

The European point against the Europa Conference League holders was another positive step after the fightback to reach the League Cup final and lifts some pressure on the under-pressure Clement, but it has to continue.

In other Rangers news, a “massive blow” to the Light Blues’ chances of defending the League Cup against Celtic has already been identified.

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