Rohl throws doubt on ‘direction’ of Cornelius’ Rangers career

Head coach Danny Rohl has cast doubt on Derek Cornelius’ future with Rangers after admitting that the on-loan Marseille centre-half has been training alone and has been released early to join up with Canada’s national squad.

The 28-year-old, who Rangers brought in last summer with an option to buy, has not featured since picking up a long-term injury on international duty in November.

National head coach Jesse Marsch suggested this week that Cornelius has been training with Rangers’ youth team.

Cornelius, the one left-sided centre-back in the first-team squad, has made 11 appearances for Rangers, all but one as a starter, and up until his injury made four starts and a substitute appearance in the six games under Rohl after the German took charge in October.

However, Rohl has confirmed that, despite Rangers entering a crucial part of the season as they look to overtake leaders Heart of Midlothian and reigning champions Celtic, the defender has been allowed to miss Saturday’s visit by Aberdeen.

“He will travel today to the national team,” he said. “I gave him the opportunity to go earlier to the national team.

“I had two conversations in the last couple of days with Derek. I will have a conversation when he comes back from the national team again.

“All these things between Derek and me, it’s between us, this is crucial. I have my principles, this is very important.”

Marsh had revealed that he had also spoken to Rohl in attempt to help resolve the situation.

“I think Derek and my person are very clear and it’s the reason we need after the international break one more conversation and then we will see in which direction this goes,” Rohl said.

“I think it was two or three times with Jesse in the conversation. I know him very well, we are good friends, we trust each other.

“In the end, it’s about the club, Rangers on the other side, and this is also important.”