Rangers manager explains why Manchester United star Amad is handed rare start

Giovanni van Bronkhorst says Manchester United starlet Amad has earned his recall to the Rangers team thanks to his attitude in training. Rangers made eight changes to their line-up for the lunchtime Scottish Premiership meeting against Motherwell with a Europa League semi-final on the horizon.

Defeat to Celtic means back-to-back league titles will be a tough ask for Amad and co - but Rangers will compete with RB Leipzig for a place in the European showpiece. They are already set to take part in the Scottish Cup final as they go in search of a cup double.

Amad moved to the Glasgow outfit on loan during the January transfer window. However, after marking his debut against Ross County with a goal, the United teenager has struggled for regular game-time and this rare appearance is only his third Scottish Premiership start. He has totted-up 161 minutes in that competition.

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During his pre-match interview with Sky Sports, manager Van Bronckhorst said: "I don't think it's [team selection] a gamble. We have a big squad. Of course, we have assessed how the players worked and how they are physically, as well. It's almost the same team as we ended the game with against Celtic.

"We are looking a little bit ahead, but also the confidence I have in the other players. If you see the team they have experience and it's not a gamble."

Speaking about Amad, he added: "He came in during the winter break and had some good moments, but then also some moments that weren't good. He kept training hard and we give him this chance to play now.

"In training he looks very good. Hopefully he can extend that into the games."

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