McCann stunned by what he saw ‘exceptional’ Antman do in Rangers win v Viktoria Plzen
Rangers continued their fine European form on Tuesday as they overcame Viktoria Plzen 3-0 in the Champions League third round qualifiers.
It was a stunning performance from Russell Martin’s side as they breezed past the Czech outfit to give themselves a comfortable advantage going into the second leg.
Djeidi Gassama netted a brace at Ibrox, with a Cyriel Dessers penalty sandwiched in between.
However, it was Oliver Antman’s performance which stood out, with the Finnish winger dominating on his debut.
Neil McCann heaps praise on Antman for role in Rangers’ third goal
Antman had only signed from Go Ahead Eagles on Monday but was given the nod to start against Viktoria Plzen.
Here, the 23-year-old repaid his manager’s trust, winning a penalty before picking up an assist for the Gers’ third.
His play for Gassama’s second was stunning as he flew down the right wing before crossing the ball in for the Frenchmen, who couldn’t miss.
- Antman was signed for £4m on Monday from Go Ahead Eagles
- The winger only trained one day with the Rangers first-team before his debut
- Antman was easily one of Rangers’ best players against Viktoria Plzen
Former Rangers star Neil McCann, who was watching on BBC Radio Scotland (5 August), could not get over the quality the winger had shown in the goal, labelling Antman as “exceptional”.
He said: “That break was superb. Antman on his bike down the right-hand side, he has got real quality.
“When he gets there, the cross is first class. Gassama isn’t standing by; he’s on the move, getting himself free, and he can’t miss. It’s just brilliant play, not only the speed of play, but the quality.
“Antman had just taken off; that’s the second time he’s got into the space behind the grass, and the ball is played to him.
“The right-back has a real problem, because if he gets too tight with him, he spins, if he gets off him, he runs because he has pace and two good feet.
“Getting into the right positions is half the battle; what you do with it next is where you are judged. His ball is exceptional, and it is a beautiful, cushioned header.”
Heavy expectations will now be on Antman
Antman’s performance at Ibrox was sensational. Viktoria Plzen simply did not know how to handle the winger as he dominated the match.
Now, after easily dispatching a top European side, heavy expectations will be on Antman to follow this up at Rangers.
- Rangers will face either Red Bull Salzburg and Club Brugge if they see out their lead against Viktoria Plzen in the second leg
The Scottish Premiership title is no doubt possible this season, and the Gers will need Antman on top form to achieve this.
Hopefully, the 23-year-old will prove that his debut was not just a one-off display and claim another assist against Dundee on Saturday.
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