Rangers player ratings v Ross County – 4/10 Cerny terrible, 9/10 Igamane immense
Rangers did what they had to do on Sunday afternoon by making up further ground on Aberdeen, with a 3-0 win at Ross County.
Hamza Igamane and Danilo set Philippe Clement’s side into a commanding half-time lead, before a controlled second half was rounded off with James Tavernier’s strike to add a third.
As important as the game in Dingwall was for the league campaign, Gers have two titanic clashes coming up within the next seven days as Ange Postecoglou brings Tottenham to Ibrox, before the chance to retain the League Cup against Celtic at Hampden Park.
Here, Ibrox News offers player ratings from the game.
Jack Butland – 5
Made one excellent save during the first half to tip one round the post, then blocked Wright’s header from point-blank range in the second. Did make one glaring error in the first half as he was caught in possession, bailed out by John Souttar from Samuel’s attempt.
James Tavernier – 8
Quiet and not too involved, until he slammed in a lovely strike late on. Kept things ticking when the ball was down the right. A low-key game will sometimes do the skipper good for all the criticism he has previously taken, but then decided to hammer in a finish to give Hamilton no chance.
John Souttar – 7
Saved Butland at 1-0 when the goalkeeper lost the ball inside his own area. The upturn in Rangers’ form at a crucial point in the campaign has been largely down to players like him, a rock at the back. Nearly scored from inside the six-yard box in the second half.
Leon Balogun – 8
Assured, never troubled, used his experience well. Won the majority of his duels, especially on the deck, and swept up alongside Souttar at the alert to any kind of threat. The Ross County attackers preferred not to face him directly – big presence.
Jefte – 7
Over time, there is surely a case that this boy will be an out-and-out winger. Domestic football allows him the opportunity to regularly get forward, which he did plenty here. Set up Igamane for the opener, though faded a little after the break.
Connor Barron (off for Mohamed Diomande 80′) – 5
Was not always untroubled in the centre, but did win the majority of his tackles higher upfield. A steady if underwhelming game for the young midfielder.
Nico Raskin – 5
Had mixed luck in duels, but did enough to keep things ticking, similarly to Barron. He sits well and allows the technically gifted operators ahead of him to function.
Ianis Hagi (off for Kieran Dowell 86′) – 6
Smooth on the ball, it comes as very frustrating to think he was fit and raring to go but out of the team for so long out of stubbornness. Dominated the middle of the park, though did not affect a lot in the final third.
Vaclav Cerny (off for Nedim Bajrami 71′) – 4
Wasn’t his day, as balls into the box were plucked out of the air with ease by Hamilton. Should have scored in each half but was thwarted by the goalkeeper on both occasions. Will be disappointed but only because of the high bar he himself has set.
Hamza Igamane (off for Cyriel Dessers 80′) – 9
Looks far more confident than when he first started out earlier in the season, and wasted no time in grabbing his goal after just six minutes. Helped by a deflection, but sometimes the luck goes in your favour. Set up Cerny for a great chance in the second half, and was a constant thorn in the hosts’ defence.
Danilo (off for Dujon Sterling 71′) – 7
Deserved his goal for the way he closed down goalkeeper Hamilton, having already pressed the backline as they looked to play out. Could be key against Tottenham if they play out – albeit to a quicker standard than Ross County – from the back.
Substitutes
Nedim Bajrami (on for Vaclav Cerny 71′) – 5
Had a couple of shots including a palm-stinger for the goalkeeper.
Dujon Sterling (on for Danilo 71′) – 5
Came on for fresh legs, got involved as much as he could with the game already won.
Mohamed Diomande (on for Connor Barron 80′) – N/A
Brought on to be a calming influence to see the game out, and did just that.
Cyriel Dessers (on for Hamza Igamane 80′) – N/A
Will have been aggrieved to be benched after his recent goals but Igamane has been superb. On his 30th birthday, used his experience to see out the win from the front.
Kieran Dowell (on for Ianis Hagi 86′) – N/A
Came on for the second game in a row, but continues not to have had much football of late.
In other Rangers news, Ange Postecoglou’s return to Glasgow with Tottenham could result in his sacking.
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