Steven Gerrard was a keen onlooker as Rangers B were tested against Ayr United on Tuesday night.
The Ibrox boss has his hands full with a Europa League clash with Lyon in just two days but found the time to cast an eye over the next generation in their SPFL Trust Trophy clash against Championship opposition.
Gerrard's first team have been dealt a difficult hand with defensive injuries with Connor Goldson's availability unknown and Filip Helander being carried off during the win over St Johnstone at the weekend.
Jack Simpson isn't registered in the Europa League squad which potentially leave Leon Balogun as the only fit senior centre-back.
Calvin Bassey is being tipped to slot in alongside the Nigeria international if required, with Borna Barisic coming back in at left-back.
But while this is all speculation for now, there was a potential clue in the B team selection as to how the matchday squad could shape up come Thursday.
Rangers B captain Kyle McClelland usually marshals the centre of defence but he was absent for the meeting with the Honest Men in Dumbarton.
It seems unlikely McClelland would start against Lyon, nor has the reason for his omission against Ayr been confirmed.
But there's a possibility he could be needed as cover for the senior side and isn't playing for the B team as a result.
The 19-year-old recently travelled with a depleted first-team for their group stage qualifier against Alashkert after a Covid-19 outbreak ruled out several players.
He also has a short loan spell at Falkirk under his belt from the latter stages of last season.
The usually ever-present Goldson missed the win in Perth over a requirement to isolate and it's still unclear whether he will be back in time for Lyon's visit to Ibrox.
Gerrard is set to hold a pre-match press conference on Wednesday which should shed further light on the situation.
His watching berth at the C&G Systems Stadium carries extra intrigue given he recently indicated a number of B team players were knocking on the door for a place in the first team squad.
