Ibrox View: Skov Olsen surely ends hope of Rangers return after one moment vs Celtic

Rangers would be foolish to sign Andreas Skov Olsen permanently after his recent performances against Celtic.

The Denmark international moved to the Gers on loan from VfL Wolfsburg in the winter transfer window, with an option to buy him for £8.6million included in the deal.

A week after the 2-2 draw in the Old Firm derby in the William Hill Premiership, Danny Rohl suffered heartbreak after losing to Martin O’Neill’s team on penalties in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup on 8 March.

Skov Olsen is fighting for his Ibrox future, but one moment from the quarter-final tie showcased why the Govan side shouldn’t spend a hefty sum on him.

Rangers poor from set-pieces as Andreas Skov Olsen fails to impress

Skov Olsen was tasked with taking corner kicks and set-pieces for the Gers against Celtic, but his delivery was embarrassing at times.

The 26-year-old was expected to bring creativity and flair to the Light Blues’ attack, but all supporters have seen so far is a timid forward seemingly afraid to take on defenders.

Going by the Danish winger’s displays since joining the Govan side, he’s given them no reason to trigger the buy option.

Andy Halliday was shocked by Skov Olsen and other players for their lack of quality from dead-ball situations, something Scott Fry arguably needs to work on.

Writing in BBC Sport on 8 March, Tom English said, “Skov Olsen, 40 caps for Denmark, was their marquee loan recruit in January. He has been anonymous in his games so far, and if this was his big moment to announce himself, he flunked the test.

“His corner, in the 52nd minute, was a microcosm of the day. Right-hand side, packed penalty area, Celtic on the ropes, Rangers finding impetus if not accuracy. The corner was akin to a backpass, hit along the ground to the near post, where it was promptly hoofed away.”

Danny Rohl should look to renew one loan signing at Ibrox

Nasser Djiga was one of the nine players Kevin Thelwell signed from down south last summer, with fans’ initial impression of the centre-back not encouraging.

Emmanuel Fernandez has slowly made a place for himself in the Rangers starting lineup, and the Wolves loanee seems to be doing the same.

The Burkina Faso international started ahead of John Souttar in the Scottish Cup and put in a solid performance, repaying Rohl’s faith.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the German manager demand Djiga’s return to Ibrox in the summer, but only time will tell what the future holds for him.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.