Rangers, the champions of Scotland, began their Scottish Cup journey this evening against Cove Rangers. The Ibrox contest was supposed to be a stroll in the park and the gaffer Steven Gerrard, therefore, rested an array of his first-team stars. The League One side tried to stay positive in the early minutes but eventually surrendered midway through the first half following a Jermain Defoe stunner. The game ended 4-0 in favour of the Glasgow giants.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their emphatic 4-0 win against Cove Rangers.
Jon McLaughlin: 7
Returned between the sticks replacing ‘number 1’ Allan McGregor, and registered a clean sheet in this Cup contest as the visitors failed to trouble him enough.
Nathan Patterson: 8.5
Although the youngster might still suffer an extended ban, his emergence in Skipper James Tavernier’s absence deserves accolades. The teenager made his mark once again while featuring as a right fullback and fired in minutes before the break after winning the ball back inside the Cove penalty area.
Connor Goldson: 7.5
The centre-half had a towering display with his physical as well as aerial supremacy inside the box. The League One side could not produce enough chances high up the pitch.
Filip Helander: 7.5
Enjoyed his time on the pitch as he tried to play it out from the back with little pressure from the Cove attackers. Kept the ball on his feet and distributed upfront to stage offensive transitions from the deep areas.
Calvin Bassey: 7
Disciplinary concerns have stalled his progress after some impressive outings earlier this term. Had a commanding game as a left fullback but looked a bit untidy at times with his tackles and long balls. Received a booking just over the half-hour mark for a needless foul.
Steven Davis: 7
The veteran Northern Irishman started from his usual deep-lying midfield role but operated from a slightly advanced slot as the away side were forced to defend deep to deal with relentless Rangers attacks. Was taken off at half-time to be replaced by Ianis Hagi.
Scott Arfield: 7.5
The Canadian operated from the middle of the park and made marauding down the middle runs to operate in the advanced areas. His strike was saved by Stuart McKenzie in Cove goal before Roofe found the net from close range to make it 2-0.
Glen Kamara: 8
Played his part in Defoe’s stunner that broke the deadlock and opened the floodgates. Dominated the midfield game with his link-up play, movement and vision from behind the attacking trio.
Kemar Roofe: 9
Hit the woodwork early on but scored twice within two minutes, exhibiting his sheer goal-poaching attributes. Came close on a few more occasions before making way for Cedric Itten just over the hour mark.
Scott Wright: 9
Exquisite display from the former Aberdeen man who could not find the net but threatened the opponents with his persistent pressing game. Set it up majestically for Roofe with a pinpoint cross and looked energetic all throughout with his runs, work ethics and creative spark.
Jermain Defoe: 8.5
The 38-year-old striking ace hit a 25-yard stunner to leave the Toonsers clueless. A last-ditch tackle from Scott Ross denied him a double moments later, and the prolific Englishman was taken off around the 73rd-minute mark to make way for Greg Stewart.
Rangers Substitutes Vs Cove Rangers
Ianis Hagi: 6
Was brought in at half-time but failed to make it to the scoresheet despite a few promising runs and one-twos with fellow attackers.
Cedric Itten: 6
Could not deliver anything exceptional to extend the margin.
Greg Stewart: 6
Goldson’s cross was cleared inches from his head which could have been his first goal of the campaign.
