Ridvan Yilmaz hopes to hand Rangers boss Philippe Clement an Old Firm boost by declaring himself fit for next month’s crucial derby showdown.
The Gers left-back was forced to withdraw from international duty with Turkey over the weekend after limping out of Friday’s friendly defeat in Hungary with a thigh strain. With Celtic set to visit Ibrox on April 7 for what could be a key clash in the race for the title, the news of a fresh knock for Yilmaz was the last thing Clement would have wanted to hear with a string of crocked first-team figures already unavailable.
But Record Sport understands the 22-year-old defender is confident he’ll be back in time to take on Brendan Rodgers’ side. A source close to the former Besiktas ace said: “We’re hoping the recovery process will only take seven to 10 days. Fortunately the injury is not too severe. While we don’t want to put an exact date on it, we’re hoping he will be in the squad or, even better, on the pitch against Celtic.”
Yilmaz has established himself as a vital member of Clement’s line-up since reclaiming his first-team slot at the turn of the year. However, it did appear the £3.5million recruit was on his way out of Ibrox in January after Turkish giants Galatasaray made repeated attempts during the transfer window to take Yilmaz back to Istanbul.
But our source insists Yilmaz is happy in Glasgow - and will only look to quit Ibrox with Gers’ blessing. He said: “Ridvan has no interest in returning to Turkey, he is very happy to be a Rangers player and living in Glasgow. Galatasaray wanted to sign him badly in January but he wasn’t keen.
"If Ridvan makes a move in summer, it will be to one of the top-five European leagues - but only if Rangers get the kind of offer that would tempt them to sell. Only then will we discuss it. For now, he is concentrating on helping Rangers to win this season’s two remaining trophies in Scotland.”
