Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz
Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz

Rangers: Stephen Craigan impressed by 'sensational' Ridvan Yilmaz after what he did v Livingston

James Murray

James is a sports journalist with a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. While football is his number one sport, he also has a love for cricket.

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Stephen Craigan was wowed by what Ridvan Yilmaz did for Rangers in their Viaplay Cup victory over Livingston on Wednesday (27 September).

Speaking on co-commentary for Viaplay Sports, the pundit said the Turkey international's finish was "sensational" as he put the Gers 2-0 up in the 65th minute with his first goal for the club.

He added that the 22-year-old left-back has "shown glimpses" throughout his career at Ibrox, but that he will be hoping this can be the catalyst for his time at the club taking off after playing a major role in the 4-0 win.

"You've got to say, the quality of finish, the power he generates from a toe poke is absolutely top-class," said Craigan. "Shamal George can get absolutely nowhere near. He's shown glimpses throughout his Rangers career, he will hope this is a point where it takes off from here on in.

"A brilliant moment from him and a big moment for Rangers. I mean, look at the power he generates with the toe poke. Sensational."

Turning point

There will be many people hoping this can be a turning point for Yilmaz at Rangers after he has had a largely indifferent time at the club.

Since arriving at Ibrox last summer from Besiktas for £3.4million, the defender has only played 18 games after missing a large chunk of last season with a hamstring injury.

He will have been delighted to have scored his first Gers goal with what was an excellent piece of individual brilliance to carry the ball all the way to the edge of the area and poke a lovely finish into the bottom corner.

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Although Yilmaz is still likely to play second fiddle to Borna Barisic, his performance will have done him no harm as he looks to earn more minutes in the side.

He did come off with what looked to be an injury in the second half, but the hope is that it was just cramp and he shouldn't be out for any more time.

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