Ally McCoist unimpressed by what Abdallah Sima did in Rangers v PSV first half
Ally McCoist criticised Rangers forward Abdallah Sima’s decision-making in the first half of the Champions League qualifying first leg with PSV.
The Senegal international had the chance to run at the opposition defence in a frenetic opening period to the first leg at Ibrox, but decided against doing so as the attack broke down.
TNT Sports pundit McCoist, working as a co-commentator on the game, said: “I think Sima has to be a bit more positive there, I really do.
“Barisic goes haring by him on the left-hand side and gives Sima the option to give inside, drive at the defender and perhaps get a shot at goal.
“He’s got to be more positive. He’s got to believe.”
After a similarly frustrating attack later in the half, McCoist said: “He’s got to do better.”
But Sima made an excellent contribution with a stunning effort on the stroke of half-time to put Rangers in front on the night and in the tie.
The wrong decision?
Michael Beale made a big call by opting to go with Sima and Cyriel Dessers upfront, meaning only a place among the substitutes for Danilo, while Sam Lammers was also watching on from the bench.
That was a decision that surprised McCoist, and it certainly did not pay immediate dividends on the basis of the early throes of the two-legged match.
Sima found himself in some encouraging positions, but he simply lacked the confidence and/or ability to get at the PSV defence.
The 22-year-old, who joined earlier this summer from Brighton & Hove Albion, did get a shot away at goal before half-time that Walter Benitez easily dealt with.
Heading into the tie with PSV on Tuesday [22 August], Sima had scored one goal in five appearances for the Light Blues in all competitions – two of those being starts – and failed to assist any.
But ultimately he did kick-start his performance right before the half-time whistle, much to the delight of McCoist and Gers fans who will hope it can spark an upturn in form.
In other Rangers news, Josh Windass believes his former club will miss a player that left earlier this summer.