By Daniel Feliciano

30th Apr, 2023 | 3:27pm

Ryan Kent drops 2/10 stinker, Connor Goldson stands out with 8/10 - Rangers player ratings v Celtic

Rangers suffered defeat to Celtic once again at Hampden Park as they crashed out of the Scottish Cup at the semi-final stage thanks to Jota’s solitary goal.

It was a very even first-half between the sides before the Gers went to sleep and allowed Jota in at the back post for a free header to give Celtic the lead before half-time.

Michael Beale’s side started the second half well and should’ve equalised after James Tavernier hit the post and the rebound fell to Fashion Sakala with an empty net, but he could only hit the side-netting.

Rangers pushed hard for an equaliser with the substitutions in a much improved second 45 minutes, but they couldn’t find that all important strike as Beale continues to wait for his first success over Celtic.

Here is how we rated the performance of each Rangers player at Ibrox News…

Allan McGregor – 6/10

The veteran made a big save in the second half to prevent Kyogo doubling the lead, but unfortunately there was nothing he could do about the goal.

James Tavernier – 5/10

As usual Tavernier was a threat going forward down the right hand side, hitting the post and having a header go over the bar. But his lapse in concentration ultimately cost the team what ended up being the winning goal.

Connor Goldson – 8/10

An imperious performance from the returning defender. He won seemingly everything in the air, won his duels well and his passing from the back helped sustain attacks in the second half. Showed how important he is to the team with this showing.

Ben Davies – 6/10

Davies looked much more comfortable and confident alongside Goldson than he has in recent games without him, and he made a huge block late on to keep the team in the game too.

Borna Barisic – 5/10

Was booked for a silly challenge early on and then found himself a liability for the rest of the game. Didn’t play to the whistle for the goal and his crossing was wayward for most of the game.

Nicolas Raskin – 7/10

This kid is the future of our midfield but he needs to be surrounded by more quality because he can’t do it alone. He was strong in the tackle, progressive with his passing and worked hard throughout his time on the pitch. If all of Beale’s signings work out like this then we’re going in the right direction.

John Lundstram – 6/10

An improved showing from Lundstram in midfield but just lacked the quality to drag us over the line that he had so often last season.

Malik Tillman – 4/10

The American struggled to make a big impact in transition early on before picking up what looked like a hamstring injury that forced him off halfway through the first half.

Ryan Kent – 2/10

Completely non-existent before being hooked at half-time. Didn’t look interested in the slightest, lacked his usual pace and directness and we were better when he went off.

Todd Cantwell – 7/10

Cantwell did well carrying the ball and his energy was good in the opening half, and he was arguably even better once Kent went off at half-time. Just didn’t have the quality ahead of him to go and win the game.

Alfredo Morelos – 6/10

The usual story for Morelos this season. He looked busy, but he was a couple of yards slower than we’re used to and just wasn’t that constant nuisance anymore. His quality was low and he should’ve been taken off long before he was.

Substitutes

Scott Arfield – 6/10

Experience and intelligence, Arfield showed the first few yards are in your head. It was a strong and impressive performance from the veteran but it just wasn’t enough.

Fashion Sakala – 5/10

Came on at half-time for Kent and immediately made an impact with his pace and directness. Really should have scored on the hour mark when he had an empty net to aim for but hit the side netting. Just too wasteful.

Ridvan Yilmaz – 5/10

He made an immediate impact on the left with his energy, but didn’t really have enough time to make a big enough impact on the game. Deserves a run in the team though.

Rabbi Matondo – 7/10

A really good cameo from the Wales winger and he’s more than earned a run in the team at this point. Direct, skillful and a constant threat.

Ianis Hagi – N/A

In other Rangers news, Ryan Kent’s future has taken a fresh twist after a new club entered the race thanks to Kenny Miller.