Hibernian 1 - 2 RANGERS (Wednesday 13th December 2017)
Goals:
Hibernian - Stevenson (9')
RANGERS - Windass (42'), Morelos (45'+2')
Ibrox Telegraph Player Ratings:
Wes Foderingham – 7
Wes could do little to prevent Hibs' goal, but their long-range efforts left him flailing. He nevertheless looked alert and commanded his area for most of the game. A steady performance.
James Tavernier – 5
Tavernier has received rave reviews from many Rangers fans of late, but he surrendered possession numerous times in this match and was the weakest link in our defence. Whenever he has the ball in our half of the field, I hold my breath, grab on to the wings of my armchair and feel my toes dig in to the floor. When he is in the opposing team's half, sprinting down the wing and taking on their defenders, I do have belief in him. A right-midfielder, yes, maybe. But a defender, no way.
Declan John – 7
John had a solid game tonight. Good enough to be Rangers’ left-back on a permanent basis? Not for me. He is quick and has some ability going forward, but he is a long way off what we would expect to see in a Rangers defender.
Bruno Alves – 7
Failed to adequately close down Murray prior to the Hibs goal, but over the course of the game he returned to his old self tonight - cool, calm and collected. I hope he stays with us for the remaining years of his career. Still a class act on and off the park.
Danny Wilson – 7
Danny looked comfortable and assured against the likes of Shaw and Murray. And while he often follows-up a good game with three bad ones, there have been signs of late that he still has a contribution to make at Ibrox.
Ross McCrorie – 9
To borrow a phrase from Harry Redknapp – this kid is heading for the very top. If there is a classier and more assured young centre-back in the country, I have yet to see him. Already a leader on the field, and the captain's armband might well belong to the 19-year-old next season.
Jamie Barjonas – 7
For his first start of the season, this was a solid performance from Barjonas. Like McCrorie, he is composed on the ball and always positive. Made some nice turns to get out of tricky situations, and followed these up with a couple of neat flicks to speed up our attacking play. Even at 18 years of age, he is physically mature and looks a safe pair of feet in the middle of the park. Deserves to start this weekend (against St Johnstone) ahead of Holt.
Jason Holt – 6
A player who gives his all, but lacks genuine quality. His energy is infectious - that cannot be doubted. But while he might skip past one opposition player, he often follows up with a stray pass. In this game and many others, his slight frame and weak tackling cost us possession. But with Ryan Jack by his side, he could still make a contribution at Ibrox.
Kenny Miller – 4
Bar running around the field, Miller offered precious little prior to his injury. Only an injury would cost him his slot in Graeme Murty's line-ups, but a better player must surely take his place in the coming games. His past contributions are considerable, but he is not the quality we now need at Ibrox.
Alfredo Morelos – 7
The wee man did what was asked of him, and he again cemented his place in the hearts of Gers fans. Might have scored one or two more, but always posed a threat. Took his goal superbly well and I loved his Haka-style celebration. His partnership with Windass has potential.
Josh Windass – 7
Lovely finish for the goal and a good all-round game. His pace is a constant danger to defenders and, like Morelos, he never gives up. Has the bit between his teeth now; if he continues to give his all and forge his partnership with Morelos, he can look forward to a solid career with Rangers.
Subs Used:
Daniel Candeias – 5
I was disappointed to see Candeias on the bench tonight. But perhaps Murty saw in training what we saw in this game. Slack passing led to an overall poor performance by Daniel's standards. A quality player who is going though a lean patch in performance levels.
Eduardo Herrera – 4
Herrera looked as though he had been told to employ more of his physical attributes tonight. But he continues to be a player with no pace. We are now in December, and the verdict is that the big man is not good enough for Rangers.
David Bates - 4
Another player who has received high praise in recent weeks, but who – in my humble opinion - does not merit it. Nervy, uncoordinated and not a player I would expect to see at Ibrox long-term. His hand ball towards the end of the game nearly cost us two points.
First post done! Thanks for reading!
