Michael Stewart accepts he got it wrong after what Joe Rothwell did in Rangers draw v Dundee
Rangers’ chances of competing with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership took another early blow after they drew 1-1 against Dundee.
The Light Blues went 1-0 down thanks to a goal from Ryan Astley early in the second half.
Rangers’ hopes of launching a fightback were harmed minutes later as Nassr Djiga was sent off.
They secured an equaliser through a late James Tavernier penalty, with a late Cyriel Dessers strike being chalked off for offside, but Rangers have now dropped points in both of their first two league games.
Despite a lacklustre performance from Russell Martin’s men for most of the game, one or two players did perform well on the day – Joe Rothwell one of them.
Rothwell praised for attempts to lead fightback against Dundee
Joe Rothwell started this game in centre-midfield ahead of Nico Raskin, a decision that hadn’t convinced everyone at Ibrox.
However, Rothwell was behind a lot of Rangers’ good work as they tried to get back into the game.
Shortly after the red card, Rothwell took it upon himself to take on the entire Dundee defence, and it was only the last defender who managed to stop him.
Commentator Michael Stewart was equally surprised and impressed at this action, admitting he did not think the ex-Leeds United ace had it in his locker.
Reacting to the skill, he said on Premier Sports: “This is great play from Joe Rothwell.
“I’ve got to be honest, I wasn’t sure if that was something that he had in his game, but it’s exactly what Rangers have needed. Somebody to go and take the game by the scruff of the neck.”
Rangers need more signings who are willing to battle every week
Rangers have been on a memorable spending spree this summer, bringing 10 new players into Ibrox in an attempt to close the gap on Celtic.
Many people have blamed the recruitment strategy at Rangers as the main reason why they have fallen so far behind their Old Firm rivals in recent years.
Too many players who have been brought into the club tend to disappear when the going gets tough.
Players who are happy to receive the ball when they’re 2-0 up in front of 50,000 fans at Ibrox, but hide away in the tough games against lower sides.
| Date | Competition | Opponent |
| 12 August | Champions League qualifying | Viktoria Plzen (A) |
| 16 August | Scottish League Cup | Alloa (H) |
| 24 August | Scottish Premiership | St Mirren (A) |
It has been the lack of consistency against these so-called lesser sides that has cost Rangers in recent years.
Martin will be all too aware of this. If he wants to turn things around, he would be well advised to sign players of Rothwell’s ilk. The type of player who is willing to roll up his sleeves and fight until the bitter end, even if things aren’t going his way.
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