MARK Warburton believes his captain Lee Wallace has what it takes to step into the breach in Scotland's injury-jinxed left back spot for the crucial World Cup qualifying tie against the Auld Enemy at Hampden.
Having named three specialists in this position for the double header against Lithuania and Slovakia earlier this month, suddenly Gordon Strachan doesn't have quite such an embarrassment of riches available to him as he sits down this Wednesday to pick his squad for the meeting with Gareth Southgate's England which could define our qualifying chances for Russia in 2018.
First Andy Robertson of Hull City, his usual first choice, succumbed to a calf problem, then came the news that Celtic's Kieran Tierney will be out for around two months with ankle ligament damage.
Wallace - who embroidered a fine personal performance with the crucial opening goal in Rangers' 3-0 win against Kilmarnock - is next man up, although Swansea City's Stephen Kingsley, who started last weekend for the Barclays Premier League side, and Aberdeen's Graeme Shinnie could also come into consideration for the game.
"I would have no doubt at all about Lee Wallace," said the Rangers manager. "He scored a good goal today and I definitely would have no doubts about Lee Wallace. He is a top class professional, an outstanding captain for this club so I never have any worries about Lee Wallace."
The win against a Rugby Park side who had claimed seven of the last nine points available going into the match was Rangers' biggest league win of the season. Warburton also said it was his side's best performance of the season, particularly during a first half where they threatened early and racked up a two-goal lead.
"I think the first half especially was by far our best performance and a pleasing 90 minutes' work," said the Englishman. "But we have to maintain it. We have always spoken about consistency of performance. It all comes down to options. Today the player on the ball had four or five options every time. It was a pleasing afternoon's work, we go into two days off and then work hard before Ross County."
Warburton had special words of praise for man of the match Michael O'Halloran. "Michael has some fantastic attributes, he is quick, direct and purposeful on the ball," he said. "I am delighted for him. He has been patient and he did very well today."
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