George Overhill

Wed 9 February 2022 21:55, UK

Another strong win for Rangers came on Wednesday night as they saw off Hibernian to follow on from hammering the other side of Edinburgh on Sunday.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be pleased with a second straight win that saw his side exhibit almost full command of proceedings.

The perfect start came with Ryan Kent terrifying Paul McGinn into giving away a penalty in the opening minutes.

Captain James Tavernier stepped up to knock it in down the middle, before an increasingly scrappy first-half was broken up by numerous fouls.

Who else but Alfredo Morelos blasted in the second during the second half as the home side played out a relatively comfortable win.

Here Ibrox News brings you the player ratings from tonight’s clash in Glasgow.

Allan McGregor – 6

Good stop to deny Kevin Nisbet with first threat but wasn’t worked out by a limited Hibs attack. A couple of decent late saves.

James Tavernier – 8

All-action display, mostly positively. Banged one straight down the middle from the spot to give Gers the perfect start, then played a wonderful long ball that Arfield could have converted for a second. All over the pitch, although gave away a number of fouls fouls. Wonderful through ball for Morelos’ goal, and slipped the same man in again later on.

Connor Goldson – 5

Booked for a clumsy foul on Demetri Mitchell mid-way through the first half and looked less assured without Balogun beside him on 200th Gers appearance, but wasn’t really tested.

Leon Balogun – 6

One soaring defensive header was a good start, but soon went down injured feeling the effects of that sequence and was replaced by Barisic. Will be a worry if he is missing for a sustained period.

Calvin Bassey – 6

Great covering late in the first half to snuff out a counter-attack but was loose in allowing chance to Nesbit after he moved centrally following Balogun’s injury. Looked assured thereafter.

John Lundstram – 6

Tidy and well positioned without standing out hugely. Prevented many real threats breaking through to the back line.

Glen Kamara – 6

Prepared to drive forward on occasion although moves did not result in anything. Similar to his central partner, was not obvious as he patrolled the middle comfortably.

Ryan Kent – 9 – Man of the Match

Struck fear into Hibs defenders. Started as he finished on Sunday, driving at McGinn and winning the early penalty with his first attack. Might have won a second soon after. No-one dared challenge him throughout the second half, cutting back and forward and looking dangerous. Nearly scored one of his own late on. Excellent display.

Joe Aribo – 6

Looked threatening and good interplay with Arfield, but was slowed by a number of fouls that were missed by referee Nick Walsh.

Scott Arfield – 7

Almost volleyed a second soon after the opener and maybe should have done better. Sharp play saw him make various interceptions and linked up with teammates well.

Alfredo Morelos – 8

Heavily involved from the off, regularly dropping deep for the ball. Introduced himself to Ryan Porteous by shoving him to the ground before crashing into a block early on. Poor touch ruined a great chance after work from Aribo and Arfield. Smashed an excellent second-half finish home and went close to further strikes. Disappointed to only score once but crucial to Gers plans.

Substitutes

Borna Barisic – on for Balogun ’14 – 5

Booked for a dreadful mistimed tackle in his first involvement after his horror-show at Celtic. Managed to stay out of the way for the majority of the time after that but will need to improve.

Fashion Sakala – on for Arfield ’75 – 6

Immediately put in an inviting ball that any gambling forward could have put away.

Aaron Ramsey – on for Aribo ’75 – 5

Fans were pleased to see him but did not get a chance to have much impact.

In other Rangers news, the boss provided some unexpected “magic” on the sidelines during the game.