Oliver Antman a complete let-down vs Celtic, Rangers chance has gone begging
Oliver Antman wasted a big opportunity to make a Rangers impression in Sunday’s Old Firm derby defeat to Celtic.
The 24-year-old Antman moved to Ibrox in this season’s summer window, signing on a permanent deal from Dutch Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles.
A Finland international, he joined Gers off the back of a superb 2024-25 campaign in the Netherlands, scoring six times and providing 16 assists in 36 total appearances for Go Ahead Eagles.
He was expected to make a real impact for Rangers this season as a result, but with just two more games left to play this term, Antman hasn’t had the campaign he was looking for.
However, Danny Rohl afforded him a rare starting opportunity in Sunday’s Old Firm derby clash, in what was a massive opportunity to stake his claim in the team moving forward.
⚽Rangers match day ⚽
Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Rangers fixture.
How did Oliver Antman perform in Celtic vs Rangers?
Antman was tipped to for a big role in Rangers’ run-in, offering a potential ‘wildcard’ option for Rohl to deploy when teams least expected it.
However, prior to Sunday’s Old Firm game, the winger had been an unused substitute in three of Gers’ last four games, with just a five-minute cameo against Falkirk to his name during that time period.
| Oliver Antman fact file | Result |
| Date of birth | 15 Aug, 2001 |
| Place of birth | Vantaa, Finland |
| Height | 6’1″/1.85m |
| Began career with | Tikkurilan Palloseura |
So, it was a surprise for many to see his name in Rangers’ starting lineup at Parkhead, but perhaps that relative unknown factor could see him and his team catch Celtic out.
Well, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for the Finn, as he was dragged off just before the hour mark having failed to make any real impression on the football match.
As per FotMob, Antman completed just seven passes against Celtic, whilst also creating zero chances or registering a single effort on goal.
He also took just 18 touches with just one of being in the opposition box, delivered one cross accurately, was dribbled past once and made only three defensive contributions respectively.
Antman either needs a run of games or he should leave
At 24-years old, Antman is now heading towards the prime years of his career, and as such, surely won’t have much interest being a squad player at Ibrox.
He’s proven himself capable of delivering quality production in Dutch football, but for whatever reason, it’s not working out for him in Scotland.
But, the winger has also never really been afforded the chance to have an extended run in the Rangers team, and that makes it very tough for him to build up any sort of momentum as well as retaining match fitness.
Throwing him in out of nowhere, in Rangers’ biggest game of the season so far on Sunday, and expecting him to be sharp and at his best was probably always a lofty one.
So, whether it’s Rohl in these final two games or moving forward into next term, Rangers either need to give him a fair crack at the starting whip, or move him on in the near future, as the odd cameo here and there isn’t mutually benefitting anyone.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Rangers Insider Access
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.