Ben Davies set for Rangers 'START' against Celtic as call made on Leon Balogun fitness

Ben Davies is reportedly set to start for Rangers in Saturday's Old Firm derby with Leon Balogun not be risked.

The Englishman has barely featured this season, making just 13 appearances with five of those coming in the league. But he was thrown in against Kilmarnock last weekend when Balogun hurt his back and Davies made a telling contribution off the bench, scoring to put Gers 2-1 up with his first ever goal for the club.

But the 28-year-old is set to start at centre-back against Celtic on Saturday. Manager Philippe Clement will not risk Balogun and will go with Davies instead according to the Scottish Sun, which could prove to be pivotal call in what is a massive clash with plenty riding on it. Connor Goldson is already injured for the season.

That would leave youngster Leon King as the other option to partner John Souttar in the heart of defence. But Davies is now expected to get the nod for just his sixth Premiership appearance of the campaign.

It is believed Balogun will recover in time to be available for selection for the Scottish Cup final against the Hoops on May 25 but is not likely to be risked before then amid the title run in.

Davies could well move on from Rangers this summer after speculation over the last couple of windows but could now play a part in some massive games before that happens.

Meanwhile, midfielder Ryan Jack has stepped up his injury recovery by featuring for Rangers B against Queen's Park in the Glasgow Cup. The midfielder could now come into first-team contention for the final games of the season.