Rangers manager Danny Röhl has explained his decision to leave out Emmanuel Fernandez from the starting lineup for his side’s 4-2 win over Dundee in their first match after the international break.
The Rangers boss went with John Souttar and Nasser Djiga at the heart of defence, leaving Fernandez among the substitutes.
After five consecutive Premiership starts before the March international break, Fernandez was left on the bench throughout the Dundee match.
The former Peterborough United defender made his debut for the Super Eagles off the bench in a 2–1 win over Iran on March 27, before marking his first international start four days later with a goal in a 2–2 draw against Jordan.
Röhl said Fernandez’s international duty involved a lot of travel but stressed that he has strong defensive options at his disposal and that the recent result suggested he made the right decision.
Asked whether Fernandez is back in contention for Sunday’s match against Falkirk, he told reporters: “Manny, it was a decision from my side. Manny travelled a lot, it was his first experience with the national team.
“We have John, as well as centre-back, available. Derek is back in the training group, and we have competition in this position. And it’s good for us and Manny to push and not to be comfortable in a position. We won 4-2, and then my choice was not too wrong.”
Fernandez has registered seven goals in 29 appearances for club and country this season.
