Rangers season has been a roller coaster ride so far as it hit a massive low under ex-gaffer Pedro Caixinha but improved lately under Graeme Murty who was handed a caretaker role following Caixinha’s dismissal. The Gers, however, suffered two shocking defeats in later weeks against St. Johnstone and Kilmarnock ahead of their midweek victory versus Motherwell. But the Saturday afternoon trip to Celtic Park was a difficult outing against age-old rivals Celtic FC who have been dominating the Scottish Football for past six years and currently well-ahead over their rivals to clinch the seventh consecutive league title. Brendan Rodgers’ men have been superior in the Old Firm derby since the Gers’ got their top-tier promotion last season and tipped to continue the same when they locked horns this term.
The visitors, on contrary, put up a better show in a futile scoreless draw that should have been won if they hadn’t missed a few glorious opportunities.
Below are the Rangers FC players rated from their draw against Celtic FC.
Wes Fodderingham: 7.5
The custodian made some decent early stops to deny Dembele and maintained composure throughout the game to earn a deserved clean-sheet.
James Tavernier: 8.5
Was excellent down the right-hand flank as he not only confined Scott Sinclair from making cut insides but also kept on running forward and whipping in some crosses of the highest quality.
Bruno Alves: 6
Started the game brightly after returning to the squad midweek following an injury spell but could not continue after an awkward landing and was replaced by David Bates in early minutes.
Danny Wilson: 7.5
Has been in great form lately and didn’t put a foot wrong today either. His no-nonsense defending allowed the Gers to deliver a resilient defensive display.
Declan John: 7
John was not as impressive in attack as his earlier games but he defended well on most occasions against the mighty rivals and grabbed a result from a difficult encounter.
Ross McCrorie: 8
The teenager once again impressed in a defensive midfield role by breaking down opponent’s movements and covering a lot of space to protect the backline.
Jason Holt: 6.5
Was untidy at times and dispossessed dangerously. Didn’t make enough attacking movements due to Celtic’s pressure in midfield but did well in a combative role and didn’t give up the battle in the middle of the park.
Daniel Candeias: 8
The Portuguese wingman was excellent with his runs, crosses, and movements down the right-hand flank. Created plenty of opportunities inside the box and looked dangerous on the counter.
Niko Kranjcar: 5.5
Miscued his shots a few times, his touches were not right, the veteran Croatian tried hard to link up with fellow attackers by carrying the ball forward from a deeper midfield role but could not make an impact and was taken off in the second half to be replaced by Carlos Pena.
Josh Windass: 6.5
His pace often troubled the opponents but the attacker could not convert his efforts into goals. Came close on a few occasions, impressed with his footwork, but failed to make any noteworthy contribution.
Alfredo Morelos: 5
Morelos has been in great form lately but his missed opportunities cost his side a memorable win at Celtic Park. He failed to keep a few of his efforts on target and could not beat custodian Craig Gordon on the other occasions from close range. Was not his day and replaced by Eduardo Herrera in closing minutes.
Substitutes
David Bates: 8.5
Came in place of injured Burno Alves but the youngster led his side to attain a clean-sheet by making critical interventions throughout the game and his blocks, tackles, clearances, and interceptions didn’t allow the Hoops to create enough goal-scoring opportunities.
Carlos Pena: 6
Came in place of Kranjcar. Didn’t make any noteworthy contribution in attack as he was busy helping his midfield to deny Celtic’s move.
Eduardo Herrera: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
