Neil McCann wishes James Tavernier could teach Fashion Sakala for Rangers
Neil McCann hailed Fashion Sakala as “brilliant” against Motherwell but wishes Rangers captain James Tavernier would tutor him on technique.
The Zambian came into the starting XI at Ibrox, and duly got himself on the scoresheet with an excellent low finish after good work from Ryan Kent to put Rangers 2-0 up.
He continued to provide plenty of attacking intent and an ability to beat his man in the second half before being substituted, while captain Tavernier showed his usual ability on the ball, going close himself with a curling early shot before providing a perfect cross that John Lundstram headed wide.
Speaking at half time on the Rangers TV match broadcast, BBC and Sky pundit McCann said: “I think Sakala has been great. I know we laugh about him with his style of crossing.
“I’d love to see him spend a bag of balls with James Tavernier to know how to just feather it in, and feel it in because he’s smashing it sometimes.
“But I tell you, he’s been brilliant. His energy, his directness to go at people, it shifts the whole Motherwell back line.”
Strong audition
Changes were anticipated after the high of Thursday’s result, considering the frustrating performance in drawing 1-1 with Dundee United last week.
Only two switches were announced by Giovanni van Bronckhorst of which Sakala was one, in place of Ryan Jack.
And with Celtic drawing a blank against Hibs earlier in the afternoon there was a massive opportunity to cut their lead at the top to a single point.
Despite his strong showing overall, the 24-year-old was withdrawn late on for Kemar Roofe after Gers had thrown away their two-goal advantage.
Searching for a late winner the manager didn’t feel he could rely on the wide man, which possibly illustrates the room for improvement in his game.
He undoubtedly has contributed some important moments so far this season but perhaps has a few more steps to go to reach the level of the more established members of the first XI.
In other Rangers news, the referee was involved in a ridiculous first-half sequence that left the commentators bemused.