Rangers player ratings vs Alloa Athletic – Nedim Bajrami stuns, 3/10 struggles
Rangers beat Alloa Athletic 4-2 at Ibrox on Saturday to book their place in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final.
Russell Martin made a baffling decision with his team selection ahead of kick-off on 16 August, although it didn’t seem to matter all too much as Nedim Bajrami fired the hosts into the lead after 13 minutes.
Alloa equalised 10 minutes later as a result of a Joe Rothwell own goal. However, the midfielder made amends by turning provider as the Gers restored their lead five minutes later through Emmanuel Fernandez on his debut.
James Tavernier, who replaced Rice at half-time, scored from the penalty spot in the 67th minute after an on-field VAR review for a handball offence.
Alloa made things interesting after scoring through Scott Taggart with 10 minutes to play. However, Findlay Curtis scored from the bench late on to put the game to bed.
While Rangers got past the Scottish League One outfit, it was a worrying performance from Martin’s men, as Ibrox News rates each player’s display on Saturday.
Bajrami a bright spark for Rangers
It would be difficult for even the most optimistic Rangers supporters to find many positives from the win against Alloa, with Martin clearly still having plenty of work to do.
However, Bajrami’s stunner in the first half was a rare bright moment in a rather flat Rangers display.
While the midfielder didn’t add too much more quality to the cup clash, his strike was a reminder of what the 26-year-old can bring to Ibrox.
Rice hooked before break after a difficult first half
Rice struggled against Alloa at left back, ending in injury.
While supporters will forgive the 18-year-old, considering his lack of experience, it is hard to ignore the difficult evening the midfielder had, with Michael Stewart slamming Rice for his involvement in Alloa’s first goal.
The teenager will learn from the experience, but this was a game to forget for Rice.
Rangers player ratings vs Alloa Athletic
Liam Kelly – 6
Max Aarons – 5
Nasser Djiga – 5
Emmanuel Fernandez – 6
Oscar Cortes – 5
Joe Rothwell – 7
Bailey Rice – 3
Kieran Dowell – 4
Nedim Bajrami – 8
Mikey Moore – 7
Danilo – 5
Subsitutes
James Tavernier (On for Rice, HT) – 6
Hamza Igamane (On for Danilo, 68′) – 4
Connor Barron (On for Rothwell, 68′) – 4
Thelo Aasgaard (On for Moore, 68′) – 4
Findlay Curtis (On for Cortes, 84′) – 7
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