Although Scottish Premiership has been thoroughly dominated by Celtic FC in recent years, Rangers, their age-old rivals, have made some steady progress to make up for the lost ground and shown promises of reigniting the battle of the utmost glory. The Light Blues have been in an admirable run of form in recent weeks and were upbeat this afternoon when they hosted midtable Hearts at Ibrox and were determined to grab three more points in order to keep hold of the runners-up spot. The game, as expected, proved to be another routine win for the hosts who secured a 2-0 win without facing much of difficulty in the process.
Rangers FC Players Rated And Slated
Wes Foderingham: 7
Did not have a busy afternoon but was always alert between the sticks and made a couple of fine stops to ensure a clean-sheet.
James Tavernier: 8
Was great going forward, posed a persistent threat to the opponent’s backline with his crosses and link up play down the right-hand flank.
David Bates: 8
The youngster has settled well in the heart of Gers defence and delivered another steady display alongside veteran Russel Martin.
Russell Martin: 8.5
Probably his best game so far for the Light Blues since completing a January switch from Norwich City. He not only maintained a defensive composure by blocking, intercepting and clearing out the opponent’s every attacking threat but also ensured the win via a late goal to seal all three points at Ibrox.
Declan John: 8
John was excellent in attack and the visitors struggled to contain his movements and link-up play alongside Jamie Murphy.
Sean Goss: 7.5
Has settled really well in the middle of the park where he acted as a defensive cover along with box-to-box runs with a great sense of passing and stretching the game using the flanks.
Greg Docherty: 8
The youngster was excellent once again after his last weekend’s start against ex-employers Hamilton Academical and kept on carrying the ball forward from a deeper midfield role and also forced Jon McLaughlin making decent stops. Played his part in Murphy’s opener and received applauds from the fans while being replaced by Jason Holt late in the game.
Daniel Candeias: 8.5
The Portuguese wingman was stupendous down the right wing and kept on terrorizing the Hearts defence with his pace, runs, movements and crosses. His exquisite cross resulted in a simple finish for Russell Martin towards the end which secured all three points for the Light Blues.
Josh Windass: 7.5
The youngster forced McLaughlin making a stunning stop from a free-kick but could not continue his scoring run tonight as he missed his opportunities but kept on making a positive influence in the Gers attack.
Jamie Murphy: 8.5
Scores his first goal at Ibrox when he earned his side a first-half lead with a tricky run and a calm and composed finish. The Brighton & Hove Albion loanee is proving to be a brilliant piece of business for the Glasgow giants.
Alfredo Morelos: 7
Came close on a couple of occasions but could not find the target. Was denied by the keeper but linked up well with fellow attackers and tried his best to keep the pressure on the visitors’ backline. Was replaced by Jason Cummings in the second half.
Substitutes
Jason Cummings: 6
Made some ambitious movements and worked hard to combine with his new teammates.
Jason Holt: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
