Rangers manager Philippe Clement
Rangers manager Philippe Clement

Steven Davis names two players who impressed him despite Rangers loss v Celtic

Pranav Shahaney

Pranav is a sports journalist who graduated from St. Mary’s University, London, in Sports Journalism (MA). He has over nine years of experience working inside newsrooms, including but not limited to News Associates, The Non League Paper, HT Media Group, VAVEL, Sportskeeda, Chichester Observer and Eastbourne Herald. He specialises in news related to takeovers, club finances and injuries.

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Steven Davis was blown away by Leon Balogun and Ben Davis despite Celtic beating Rangers 1-0 in the Scottish Cup final on 25 May.

Gers managed to keep it tight at the back until stoppage time after which Adam Idah scored to win the game at Hampden Park.

However, for a large part, the two centre-backs were solid at the heart of defence for Philippe Clement's side.

He told BBC One Scotland on 25 May at 15:59: "It's finely poised, both teams not wanting to make any mistakes. The game will open up in the second half.

"Celtic have had more possession but didn't cause Jack Butland too many problems.

"Leon Balogun and Ben Davies have been really solid, and Rangers look a threat from crosses and corners."

Rangers unfortunately not at the same level as Celtic yet

Despite Rangers' defensive efforts, with Balogun and Davies performing solidly for a large part of the Scottish Cup final against Celtic, they still failed to secure a victory.

The match saw both teams cautious in the first half, with neither side making significant mistakes.

However, Celtic's Idah managed to score in stoppage time, breaking the deadlock and securing a 1-0 win for his team.

Davis's comments highlight the positives of Gers' performance, especially their defensive solidity and the threat they posed from set-pieces.

However, the inability to hold on until the final whistle and the failure to create more clear-cut chances underscore the gap between the two sides.

Rangers defender Leon Balogun
Leon Balogun played for Rangers in the final v Celtic

This result suggests that the Ibrox outfit needs to improve their overall game to compete at the same level as Celtic next season.

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