GIOVANNI van Bronckhorst has explained Ryan Kent and Steven Davis have missed the Dundee match as he "manages the load" for the duo.

The pair were shock absentees as neither made the matchday squad for the Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox.

Their exclusion sparked fears over injury concerns, but Van Bronckhorst appeared to reveal before kick-off he's just resting the key players.

Fashion Sakala and Scott Arfield came into the line-up in place of Kent and Davis.

Quizzed on Kent and Davis being left out, Van Bronckhorst said: "I’m just using the whole squad.

"We are managing the loads as well for Ryan and Steven and I have confidence in my squad so today the two others will come in.

"We still have a lot of players on the bench who can change games so I’m really happy we have so many quality players."

One positive in the squad list was the inclusion of Ryan Jack who took a spot on the bench for the clash.

And Leon Balogun is also gearing up to return to Rangers action with Van Bronckhorst revealing he'll be back in training tomorrow.

During the week he said: "Ryan (Jack) will be in the squad tomorrow, of course, he hasn't played a lot of games the last few months.

"We know he can add good things to the playing squad but we also know he has to build up his minutes to return to full fitness.

"Leon Balogun will train with the squad on Sunday, we look forward to having him back soon."