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Scottish Championship: Kenny McDowall says Rangers can cope without Lewis Macleod

Image: Lewis Macleod: About to complete a move to Brentford

Rangers caretaker boss Kenny McDowall is confident his side will be able to cope without Lewis Macleod.

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The influential midfielder appears to be on his way to Sky Bet Championship side Brentford, having undergone a medical on Tuesday ahead of a move worth in the region of £1m.

McDowall says the loss of the Scotland U21 international will be significant but he feels the combination of the transfer fee and the players he has in reserve mean it is a deal that has to be done.

Speaking at his press conference before Saturday's clash with Dumbarton, McDowall said: "I believe Lewis went down yesterday and had a medical and [the transfer] is pending a medical at this time.

"It would be naturally a blow to see him go. He is a talented lad and he's got the opportunity to move on, which looks like it may now be the case.

"It's disappointing to lose him but that is football. You have got to move on."

Opportunity

Macleod has scored eight times for the Light Blues this season, but his last goal came at the start of November and he has not played since they were stunned 3-2 by Alloa in the semi-finals of the Petrofac Training Cup on 3rd December.

And McDowall insists there is enough quality in the Rangers squad to replace him as they look to close the gap of 15 points on runaway leaders Hearts.

"Lewis is one of our top players but it is also an opportunity for someone else to come into the team and stake a claim. So nothing has changed. We are still a good team," he added.

"It's not one player which makes our team. We have a lot of good players in that changing room. We're sorry to lose him if that is the case but we will move on."

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