Callum O'Connell

Wed 27 September 2023 21:56, UK

Rangers progressed to the Scottish League Cup semi-final as they recorded a confident 4-0 victory against Livingston at Ibrox on Wednesday 27 September.

It was a comfortable win for Rangers at Ibrox as they completely dominated their opponents from start to finish, easing away from them with three goals and a controlling game which didn’t allow Livingston a sniff.

Abdallah Sima stood out in particular with his pace causing endless issues, and he was able to score a beautiful goal and create another which was listed as an own-goal as he staked his claim for a starting role at Ibrox.

Ibrox News has rated the players out of 10 below…

Jack Butland – 6/10

Had next to nothing to do in the entire game. Probably one of the easiest performances he’ll ever have in a Rangers shirt as he was mostly a spectator bar a couple of shots that failed to threaten his goal. Looked confident on the ball when needed and provided an out ball to his centre-backs.

James Tavernier – 8/10

Some beautifully dangerous crosses into the box as he continued his attacking dominance. His influence was mainly clear in the first half but the overlapping runs caused constant havoc to the Livingston full-back and probably should have had an assist with the chance created for Sam Lammers. Another strong performance from the captain.

Connor Goldson – 7/10

Dealt with everything that came his way, was dominant in the air and was comfortable with the ball at his feet. He dealt with the Livingston attack effortlessly in the end. It’s not always easy to perform to a high level when you aren’t given much to do, but he looked confident and made his game look simple.

Ben Davies – 6/10

Similar to his centre-back partner, dealt with everything that came near him and was composed in possession but didn’t have much to do due to his side’s dominance. As with Goldson, though, the mark of a good player is always to show you can perform even when you’re not called upon too much.

Ridvan Yilmas – 8/10

Scored his first goal for Rangers, and it was an absolute beauty. He ran, and ran, and ran, and then his poked shot from range found its way into the bottom corner. It was a magnificent individual effort and he will hope that goal can kickstart his stuttering career at Ibrox.

A shame that he was forced off through injury, but he can be proud of his performance today and was given a standing ovation by the Ibrox faithful.

John Lundstram – 6/10

Kept the play ticking nicely and broke up play when needed, it was a routine performance from the midfield that didn’t have much to do as they controlled the game. Ultimately though, to control the game as Rangers did, your entire midfield need to perform, and Lundstram helped that cause today.

Jose Cifuentes – 7/10

Provided the link between defence and midfield, and midfield and attack as he moved between the lines to pick up possession. It’s clear to see what he will offer to Rangers in the long-term, with his eye for a pass and ability to find space off the ball proving a vital part of their possession game today.

Ryan Jack – 8/10

Similar to Lundstram, was comfortable and composed in possession to help Rangers dominate the game. He kept the ball well and kept things moving but didn’t have to do anything too special to help his side cruise to victory.

Took his goal brilliantly to round off an impressive performance late on, and to fire his side into the semi-final of the Scottish Cup as he targets further silverware in Glasgow.

Abdallah Sima – 9/10

Rangers’ most dangerous player throughout, stretched the defence and his pace caused real issues throughout. Livingston simply couldn’t deal with him and he put on a show for the home crowd, finally showing exactly what he can do in that blue shirt with a brilliant goal and forcing the own goal for the third goal of the night.

If he can kick on from here and provide more consistent performances then he will quickly become a fan-favourite at Ibrox, with his electric pace making for brilliant viewing.

Kemar Roofe – 8/10

Dropped deeper to receive possession before looking to play Sima in behind on multiple occasions, provided the link between the attacking trio and offered a threat himself before coming off for Cyriel Dessers to preserve his fitness for future games.

His issue has always been fitness, and if he can get that up to scratch, he should be able to turn in regular impressive performances under Michael Beale, who seems to understand the way he wants to play the game.

Sam Lammers – 6/10

Less impressive than his attacking partners but looked to make things happen going forward. Fair to say he might be trying slightly too hard to leave his mark at Ibrox after a difficult start to his Rangers career, but if he can keep his head and keep the game simple he could finally start to impress.

Subs

Cyriel Dessers – 4 – Offered very little off the bench and was wasteful with chances yet again

Borna Barisic – 5

Dujon Sterling – N/A

John Souttar – N/A

Scott Wright – N/A

In other Rangers news, Neil Warnock has responded to links with the Rangers job.