Ibrox View: Gerrard will be thrilled with rookie – Three things learned about Rangers v Falkirk
Rangers ran out comfortable 4-0 winners over League One leaders Falkirk in their Betfred League Cup tie at Falkirk Stadium on Sunday.
Goals from Jermain Defoe, Calvin Bassey, Borna Barisic and James Tavernier sealed the win, as the Gers bounced back from their 2-2 Europa League draw with Benfica on Thursday.
While the win was never in doubt there were plenty of impressive performances and valuable lessons for Steven Gerrard and his side to take away.
Here are the three things we learned.
Steven Gerrard wants to keep winning
Rangers played a tough game in the Europa League on Thursday, but that did not stop Gerrard starting a strong side. Barisic, Tavernier, Connor Goldson and Scott Arfield all started in both matches, while Ianis Hagi and Calvin Bassey have been regularly involved in the first team.
The line-up put out was a very strong one and a number of the players knocking on the door for more regular minutes made a good case for further involvement.
Jermain Defoe does what he does
Wherever he has played throughout his 21-year career, Defoe has always been a deadly goalscorer. And on Sunday, at Falkirk Stadium he added to his massive tally.
Latching onto a long-ball from Goldson, Defoe finished smartly on the volley into the bottom corner. It was a nice reminder for Gerrard about how effective the former England man can be when given the ammunition.
Calvin Bassey continues to impress
A summer arrival from Leicester City, Bassey has made a positive impression since turning up at Ibrox. Able to play left-back or centre-back, he started in the middle of the back four on Sunday and bagged his first goal.
The 20-year-old’s all-around play was impressive too and Gerrard will be thrilled to see the versatile rookie thriving whenever he is given the chance.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has been impressed with one Gers player