Rangers' Aaron Ramsey plan set to come to fruition against Braga and Celtic

Aaron Ramsey has an answer for those who have begun to question his minimal impact since his high-profile arrival at Ibrox earlier this year. It’s all part of a plan.

That’s not to say the minimal impact was intended. Clearly Rangers went all out to sign the Wales international with the intention of consolidating their place at the top of the league.

At the time Rangers were two points clear of Celtic. Now they sit six points adrift of their greatest rivals.

But there is still much to play for, beginning this evening. Ramsey has started just three league games for the champions and has featured only once in Europe to date when he came on for the last few minutes of the 4-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

He is, however, in line to start the second leg of Rangers’ Europa League quarter final clash with Braga at Ibrox. The hosts are bidding to overcome a 1-0 defeat in Portugal before then facing a Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Celtic at Hampden on Sunday.

Eyebrows were raised when Ramsey remained on the bench throughout last week’s first leg encounter at Estadio Municipal de Braga.

He did return to the side for Sunday’s 4-0 victory over St Mirren but was replaced at half-time. Ramsey suggested that this was all part of a pre-arranged strategy to ensure he can wield the influence his pedigree suggested would be the case when he made such a well-publicised move on loan from Juventus. Restricted minutes in recent weeks will mean he is able to participate more fully when it really matters. That's the thinking, at least.

Ramsey featured only fleetingly for Juventus this season having been bedevilled by niggling injuries, which has been the story of his stay in Italy. It also proved to be a frustration during his