Dan Carter

Thu 21 September 2023 20:47, UK

Ally McCoist was left stunned by Kemar Roofe and his “magnificent” pass for Rangers in their Europa League clash against Real Betis.

The Light Blues got their second European campaign of the season underway against Manuel Pellegrini’s side at Ibrox on Thursday night (21 September) and Michael Beale’s side managed to head into the break at 0-0 in what was a fairly even contest.

Despite having a difficult few weeks in the Light Blues side after seeing his Old Firm derby goal chalked off, Roofe found Rabbi Matondo clean through, only for the Welshman to miss.

Speaking on commentary for TNT Sport (21 September, 20:06) as Roofe picked out Matondo, he said: “That’s a magnificent ball through, outside of the right foot from Roofe. Rabbi Matondo just can’t get it out of his feet and he puts it right at the goalkeeper.”

Stepping up

Given Rangers’ forward struggles throughout this season, Roofe has had to step up to provide the finishing touch while the likes of Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and Sam Lammers find their feet in Glasgow and his first-half display against Betis was much improved.

The pass to find Matondo truly deserved to warrant an assist and had the Welshman sorted his feet out quicker he would have had very little work to beat the keeper. That’s the sort of magic that Roofe is capable of and there aren’t many others who have that ability currently in Light Blue.

With Todd Cantwell and Kieran Dowell sidelined, the 30-year-old, alongside Tom Lawrence is likely to be relied upon to create the chances for Beale’s side as he looks to win back the Ibrox fanbase and secure his position as Rangers boss.

In the first half against Betis, the Gers weren’t afforded much of the ball and that makes it all the more important that they took care of it when they had possession. With his one genuine chance to influence proceedings, Roofe did exactly that.

In other Rangers news, John Lundstram has opened up about how much the Champions League exit last season “hurt”