Ibrox View: 3/10 stinks, 8/10 saves day - Rangers player ratings v St Johnstone

Rangers secured a narrow 2-0 victory over St Johnstone to advance to the next round of the Scottish League Cup on Saturday (17 August).

Cyriel Dessers looked set to score the only goal of the game after replacing Danilo at half-time, that was until Ross McCausland scored three minutes into added time at the end of the match.

While the performance was far from perfect, Philippe Clement will be pleased with the victory and clean sheet, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the cup competition.

Ibrox News ranked each player out of 10.

Jack Butland – 7

Little for Butland to do in between the sticks. Coped well with St Johnstone attack when called upon, remained focused throughout the game despite the Gers’ dominance.

Jefte – 7

While clear that defending is not Jefte’s greatest strength, his attacking ability adds a new dimension to the Gers’ attack from the full-back position. Offers more than Ridvan Yilmaz going forward but always a risk defensively.

Robin Propper (Off for Ben Davies 45′) – 3

Struggled to get into the flow of the match, clearly still not fully match sharp after a “dangerous” moment in the first half. Another injury blow for Clement to deal with after trudging off before half-time whistle.

John Souttar – 7

Much more consistent than his defensive partner. Was called upon on more than one occasion to keep the Saints at bay, could have shipped a breakaway goal without him in defence.

James Tavernier – 5

Totally wasteful with the ball, letting off several strikes from range instead of choosing better options. Caught out once again, with St Johnstone nearly benefitting. Grew into the match, having a more positive second half.

Kieran Dowell (On for Connor Barron 62′) – 4

Invisible in midfield against the Saints. Clement clearly saving the legs of regular players so game time will be useful for Dowell, but he has done his future chances at Ibrox no favours.

Dujon Sterling – 6

As usual, work in midfield went under the radar as a utility man. Mixed verdicts on Sterling in midfield, could replace Tavernier at right-back instead.

Philippe Clement needs Cyriel Dessers to spare Rangers blushes

Rabbi Matondo – 7

Linked with a summer exit but still giving his all for the Gers. Added some much-needed pace to the attacking third but the final ball continued to lack in Clement’s disjointed forward line.

Mohamed Diomande – 6

Had a couple of long-range efforts either saved or flew wide. Drove Rangers forward from midfield but failed to have a telling impact for the Gers.

Vaclav Cerny – 8

Continued his fine form in a Rangers shirt, attempting to build on his two-goal contributions so far. Looks to be one of Clement’s main attacking threats.

Danilo (Off for Cyriel Dessers 46′) – 5

First competitive appearance back after a long-lasting injury, and lack of sharpness in front of goal but had chances to open the score against the Saints. Unlucky not to score.

Substitutions

Ben Davies (On for Propper 45′) – N/A

Cyriel Dessers (On for Danilo 46′) – 8

Needed to help the Gers secure a narrow win. Continues his fine form for the Light Blues despite all the criticism of his displays last season.

Connor Barron (On for Dowell 62′) – 6

Helped to stabilise the midfield, which was needed with Dowell’s lacklustre performance in the middle of the park.

Ross McCausland – 7

A solid end to the match after coming off the bench, with a lovely dinked finish to round things off.

Robbie Fraser – 6

Appeared to pop up everywhere after coming on and will have done his chances no harm.

In other Rangers news, an “astonishing” incident caused controversy against St Johnstone.

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