Rangers midfielder Tochi Chukwuani is ready to consider a move away from Ibrox in January if his game time does not improve. The player has made several appearances this season but has not started a league match under manager Derek McInnes, seeing very limited league action. This comes as the team sits second in the Premiership with 20 points from nine games, having recorded six wins and two draws.
Chukwuani joined Rangers from Sturm Graz last year. He was a regular under a previous manager but has fallen down the pecking order since McInnes's arrival. The manager has reinforced his midfield options with summer signings, while consistently selecting other players. McInnes has made few changes to his starting lineup in recent league matches, a period where the team's recent form reads four wins and a draw from their last five games.
Midfield competition
McInnes's preference for established players has limited opportunities. Another midfielder, Nicolas Raskin, scored in the recent 2-2 draw with Dundee on Saturday 17 October, a match where a midfield error proved costly. McInnes described the mistake as a moment that was "almost like a balloon popping." With the team in a strong league position and on an unbeaten run, the need for squad rotation has been less pressing. Rangers have no European football this season, further reducing the number of available fixtures. The team's strong defensive record, with just seven goals conceded, and their positive goal difference of six, shows the stability McInnes is reluctant to disrupt.
The club's league position is built on a recent run of positive results, including a 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock where top scorer Ryan Naderi netted twice. Their next test is at home to St Johnstone on Saturday 24 October. Chukwuani's prospects for the remainder of the year will hinge on any chances he gets in that match or others. The immediate focus for the squad is preparing for the visit of St Johnstone, who currently sit fifth. He is not actively pushing for a move but is prepared to take matters into his own hands if his situation remains unchanged by the winter window. The player's focus will be on training ahead of the weekend fixture, as Rangers look to close the four-point gap to leaders Celtic.
Background and full detail: Football Insider
