Steven Gerrard is set to unleash new boy Bongani Zungu as he looks to strengthen Rangers’ grip on top spot in the Premiership.
The Gers boss welcomes bottom side Hamilton Accies to Ibrox on Sunday and has revealed South African Zungu could be in line for a debut.
The midfielder will join up with his international squad following the game against Brian Rice’s
struggling side.
He is flying home for Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against
Sao Tome and Principe in Durban.
The 28-year-old has not played for a month since starting parent club Amiens’ 1-0 Ligue 2 defeat at Caen just before completing his loan move to Ibrox.
Zungu, who will cost £2.7million if he impresses enough to win a permanent deal at the end of the season, has been included in Gers’ Europa League squad.
He wasn’t used for Thursday’s 3-3 draw against Benfica in Lisbon but ahead of the Accies clash, Gerrard revealed Zungu is edging closer to his first appearance for the club.
The Rangers boss is keen to make the most of his squad with his side nine points clear at the top of the table and the likes of veteran midfielder Steven Davis having played a lot of games.
The Ibrox gaffer said: “I am looking to get Bongani involved as soon as possible and he is available for the match at the weekend.
“He is very much closer in terms of him getting towards his level.
“We have been trying to accelerate that and giving him extra work and top-ups after training. His application and his attitude has been fantastic.
“We trained over the last couple of days after getting back from Portugal and we will make a decision but he is getting close.”
