Tom English 'shocked' as 'absolutely terrific' Rangers player singled out for praise vs Celtic

Rangers completely outclassed Celtic in Sunday's Old Firm showdown, with Tom English particularly impressed by one player.

The Gers advanced to the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup, where Aberdeen now await, with a 3-0 victory at Ibrox.

Dan Neil scored a couple of goals, either side of Kevin Kelsy also opening his account as a Rangers player.

Derek McInnes' side have now won five games in a row, with this undoubtedly the best of the lot in a real statement.

Celtic may hold a five-point advantage in the Scottish Premiership, but next week's trip to Celtic Park presents a chance to change that.

On the basis of what transpired against Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday, anything is now possible.

Who was Rangers' best performer vs Celtic

Skipper Neil scored a couple of goals, yet he was arguably not even Rangers' best player on the day.

Ryan Naderi produced probably his best all-round Rangers performance yet - and it did not go unnoticed by BBC Scotland's chief sports writer.

Speaking on Radio Scotland at full-time, English said: "I'm a bit shocked, to be honest with you.

"I wasn't expecting that gulf in class. This is by far and away Rangers' best performance of the season.

"Naderi was absolutely terrific. He hunted everything down. His work rate, energy, aggression - terrific."

Naderi really was superb and his performance pretty much epitomised everything that was good about Rangers.

Dan Neil nicely sums up Rangers spirit right now

Neil came in for criticism early in his Rangers career, but fair play to the former Sunderland man for turning things around.

He was also superb against Celtic, with his two goals just the tip of the iceberg.

Speaking to Premier Sports after the game, Neil summed up everything that is right about in-form Rangers right now.

"We all believed in the plan," he said. "The gaffer is good before games and he made sure we were ready to run through brick walls."

Rangers are now favourites to go all the way and lift this cup, but the more immediate focus is on next week's clash against Celtic, with three massive league points on the line.