Sam Stone

Tue 30 August 2022 21:43, UK

It was far from a routine night for Rangers as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side beat Queen of the South 3-1 in the Scottish League Cup.

Two goals from Scott Arfield and one goal from 18-year-old Robbie Ure were enough for the Gers to progress, although they were given a scare after Lee Connelly equalised with an exquisite chip in the 17th minute to level the scores.

It wasn’t a free-flowing Rangers display but a much-changed Rangers team got the job done, here Ibrox News rates the players out of ten for their performances at Ibrox.

Allan McGregor – 5

Very little to do for the Rangers veteran and could do nothing about Connelly’s sublime chip in the 17th minute. Distribution was spot on throughout. Hard to praise and hard to criticise the Rangers shotstopper.

Ryan Jack – 6

Was excellent playing in a makeshift back four and barely put a foot wrong throughout the match. Wasn’t to blame for the goal and was key in starting the Gers attacks from the back. Stepped into midfield at times and looked to be progressive in his play. Composed and experienced display from the 30-year-old.

Leon King – 6

Considering his age, the 18-year-old put in a mature performance that was beyond his years. King had a couple of shakey moments in the second half, but he largely stood up well to the physicality that came his way. Distribution does need to improve with King going long too often at times. Gave the ball back to the Scottish League One side too often in the second half with aimless longer balls.

Ridvan Yilmaz – 8 (Man of the Match)

This lad has got an excitement factor about him and his skill for Scott Arfield’s goal was simply world-class. He is slowly adapting to life in Scotland, but this performance should get the Ibrox faithful excited about what is tome come from Yilmaz. He was always eager to get forward and play as a winger at times. Very solid defensively all night. His pace and dynamic movement could see Yilmaz become a fan favourite very soon. Excited to see what more he has to offer.

Adam Devine – 7

Accomplished performance from Devine who was slightly more reserved than Yilmaz, but he managed to get forward and support Matondo on the right wing. Very solid defensively and played a number of incisive passes forward into Rangers forward players and midfielders. Devin also displayed excellent crossing ability. He needs to do it more. Made an important clearance in the second half to prevent an equaliser.

Steven Davis – 6

Solid display from the veteran midfielder with Davis rarely giving the ball away. Considering his technical quality it would’ve been good to see him dictate and run the game slightly more against lower league opposition. Went through the motions at times and could have taken a few more risks in possession.

Rabbi Matondo – 6

Made fewer mistakes than Sakala and was a menace down the right wing in the first half. Needed to continue the positivity in the second half but was largely quiet. Much like Sakala, he needs to improve his end product. If he can add quality in and around the penalty box he could prove to be far too good for most of the full–backs he comes faces this season.

Scott Arfield – 6

Nice finish for Rangers’ second goal. The 33-year-old should have grabbed the second half with both hands. Nearly scored a wonderful volley in the 73rd minute on one of his ventures forward. Beautiful finish in the second half to stroke home a beautiful Rangers move. It was a struggle for the Gers in the second half but Arfield’s quality saw the game home.

Glen Kamara – 4

Very composed assist for Ure’s opening goal but on the whole, it was a quiet performance from Kamara. He was caught out of position in the second half and picked up a silly yellow card. Needed to up his performance after a decent first-half display. Flat display on the whole from Kamara.

Fashion Sakala – 5

Was instrumental in Rangers’ opener after lovely work down the left wing before cutting the ball back for Glenn Kamara. The mistake for Queen of the South’s goal was awful and showed a lack of composure. Capable of moments of brilliance but also can also frustrate at the same time. Needs to concentrate and be more consistent to break into the first team regularly. His end product must improve.

Robbie Ure – 6

Finished off a lovely team move with ease and displayed that he knows where the back of the net is. Managed to match the physicality that was thrown his way from the Queen of the South back four. Has a good turn of pace despite being a taller player as well. Needs to get involved slightly more and be an option for the midfielders to play into and off of. Furthermore, he needs to look after the ball better. Good performance nonetheless but there is certainly more to come from the youngster.

Zak Lovelace (on for Ure, 75′) – 5

Charlie McCann (on for Matondo, 75′) – 5

Archie Stevens (on for Kamara, 88′) – 5

Paul Nsio (on for Sakala, 88′) – 5

In other Rangers news, ace set to leave Ibrox as club stance on £4.6m player shared