Rangers, a rejuvenated force under Steven Gerrard, hosted second-tier outfit Ayr United yesterday tonight at Ibrox in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final tie. Although the Honest Men upset Dundee in the previous round, a contest against the in-form Teddy Bears was always going to be a monumental challenge. The outcome, as expected, was in favour of the hosts who secured a commanding 4-0 win and reached a step closer to a much-needed silverware.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their comfortable win against Ayr United.
Wes Foderingham: 7
He is being preferred in cup fixtures having lost his place to veteran Allan McGregor. The custodian mostly had a quiet afternoon due to lack of attacking threats from the opponents. Made some routine stops and impressed with his distribution skills.
Jon Flanagan: 7
Started on the right in place of skipper James Tavernier. Had a decent link up with Ryan Kent with timely overlap runs maintaining composure at the back.
Nikola Katic: 8
The little-known Croatian, scouted this summer, had yet another towering display in deep defence as he not only refrained Ayr from causing enough attacking threats but also opened the account for Rangers with a powerful header from Kent’s corner.
Joe Worrall: 7.5
Started his second game, this time alongside Katic and did a decent job even if he had little trouble all throughout. Was concentrated and tried to play the ball out of the back with his excellent passing and distribution traits.
Andy Halliday: 8.5
The versatile Scotsman featured as a makeshift left-back and left his mark with a stunning ball which was converted by Middleton to make it 2-0 around the half-hour mark. The duo combined again in the second half, and the latter scored his second with 20 minutes remaining.
Ross McCrorie: 7.5
The youngster marshalled the backline with great composure, helping his side hold possession in the middle of the park alongside Dorrans and Ejaria. Was replaced by teenager Stephen Kelly midway in the second half.
Graham Dorrans: 7.5
His first start of the season following a couple of decent cameos. The veteran midfield general was driving the show with his dribbles, distribution and ability to switch the game on the flanks to create space in opponents’ set-up. Was replaced by Jordan Rossiter early in the second half.
Ovie Ejaria: 7
The Liverpool loanee had a comfortable outing as he orchestrated the moves from behind with many uninterrupted runs. Should have been more involved in and around the Ayr’s defensive third.
Ryan Kent: 8
Kent caused menace in the visitors’ defensive third with his tricky runs, pace and power. Assisted Katic from a corner to open the account For Rangers and kept on terrorising the opponents throughout the game.
Glenn Middleton: 9
Stunning performance from the youngster who scored twice and also came close to his hattrick late in the game. Showed great strength, quality and composure to make an impact tonight.
Alfredo Morelos: 7.5
The Colombian worked hard, kept the defence on toes and also scored one early in the second half before being replaced by Eros Grezda.
Substitutes
Eros Grezda: 6
Settling in new surroundings and showed glimpses of quality since replacing Morelos.
Stephen Kelly: 6
Made his competitive debut for the Gers and enjoyed a decent amount of playing time at Ibrox.
Jordan Rossiter: 6
Returned after a lengthy injury spell. Much-needed minutes en route to attaining full recovery at the earliest.
