Dujon Sterling Likely to Miss Falkirk Trip as Rangers Newcomers Eye Opportunity

Dujon Sterling has been tipped to miss Rangers’ trip to Falkirk, with former Ibrox forward Greg Stewart predicting the defender will be left out on the Bairns’ artificial surface.

Rangers arrive with a refreshed squad and a manager spoiled for choice. Derek McInnes has competition all over the pitch after a busy summer, and this tie looks tailor‑made for one or two of his newer faces to step into the spotlight.

Two of them are already jostling for position.

Ross McCrorie and Kosta Nedeljkovic, both summer arrivals, are pushing hard for minutes and could use the Falkirk fixture to make a serious play for a regular starting role.

Stewart questions Sterling’s suitability on astro

Speaking on the 5 Stars Podcast alongside Ian Durrant, Stewart homed in on one factor above all: the pitch.

“Astro turf as well, it always comes into play. So, it'll be interesting to see how the new boys, that are not used to it, take to it,” Stewart said. “I don't think Sterling will play well because of that.”

The surface has become more than just a footnote. It’s now a key part of the selection debate.

If McInnes shares that concern, Sterling could find himself watching from the sidelines while others seize their chance. Rangers have alternatives who will be desperate to step in if the full-back is left out, and Stewart’s comments only sharpen the focus on who gets the nod.

McCrorie and Nedeljkovic eye the opening

If Sterling does drop out, the door swings open.

McCrorie, back at Rangers after a previous spell away from Ibrox, brings Premiership know-how and the kind of versatility managers lean on over a long season. So far, though, his limited minutes have underwhelmed. A start at Falkirk would be more than just another outing – it would be a chance to reset the narrative.

Nedeljkovic, on loan from Aston Villa, offers McInnes another defensive option as he shapes his preferred back line. He is still settling, still learning the demands of his new surroundings, but a strong showing on a tricky surface would accelerate that process in a hurry.

For either player, this fixture is not just about getting through 90 minutes. It’s about forcing McInnes to think twice before writing out his next team sheet.

That kind of internal pressure is exactly what Rangers built over the summer. Depth isn’t just numbers; it’s players who can turn an opportunity like this into a permanent promotion.

Durrant expects continuity despite options

While the squad churn and selection dilemmas grab attention, Ian Durrant does not see McInnes ripping things up.

“I don't think he'll tinker too much, I think. After that result and how well they played, and how well they battled,” Durrant said.

“They all like to play a brand of football, which I think will suit Rangers. They always like to be on the front foot, they knock it about.

“I'm sure Rangers now, if they're on their A game, they can pick them off.”

The message is clear: continuity first, tweaks rather than wholesale change. McInnes may only adjust where the pitch and opposition demand it.

Falkirk’s surface adds a twist

Falkirk’s artificial pitch remains an awkward subplot.

The club were granted a grace period to replace the surface after winning promotion to the Premiership the season before last, leaving them as the only top-flight side still playing on astro. Kilmarnock have gone back to grass. Livingston’s relegation removed another synthetic pitch from the calendar.

That makes Falkirk away a one-off challenge in the current Premiership landscape, and it’s precisely why the Sterling call has become so intriguing.

If Stewart is right and Sterling sits it out, this could be the night McCrorie or Nedeljkovic turn a difficult surface into a springboard – not just for a start, but for a bigger role in McInnes’ rebuild.