Rangers: David Edgar blown away as ‘vital’ Cole McKinnon footage emerges from draw v Benfica
Rangers youngster Cole McKinnon blew David Edgar away with his “vital” piece of defending to deny Benfica in the closing stages of the Gers’ Europa League clash.
Philippe Clement’s side managed to secure a 2-2 draw on Thursday (7 March) to leave the tie well-balanced ahead of the second leg at Ibrox, thanks to first-half goals from Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling.
However, the Gers had to navigate a few late scares in the closing exchanges of the first leg, one of which saw 21-year-old McKinnon deny Angel Di Maria from close range with a block which left Edgar stunned.
Writing on X on Friday (8 March) he said: “That’s going in. Vital block from the young fella.”
Will Rangers be able to beat Benfica to progress in the Europa League?
So much of Rangers’ performance in Portugal was superb and Clement’s side were well deserving of the draw, but it was because of moments of magic and determination like McKinnon’s block that helped the Gers get over the line.
The 21-year-old has been little more than a bit part player at Ibrox this season and Thursday night’s clash was his European debut, but he still managed to step up and perform when his team needed him the most.
A lot has been made about Clement’s midfield depth currently at Ibrox, with Nicolas Raskin receiving criticism for his recent poor displays while Ryan Jack has struggled to win back his place after his recent injury woes.
While it is unlikely that McKinnon will start week in and week out in the Scottish Premiership between now and the end of the season, the young midfielder has shown Clement that he can certainly play a part in the remaining fixtures.
In other Rangers news, Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor have clashed live on talkSPORT over a new Old Firm title verdict
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