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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Ben Banks

Rangers player ratings v Union SG as Colak defies critics and Lawrence gets cigar and slippers out

Rangers took to the Champions League stage hunting redemption - and they delivered in some style with a 3-0 win over Union Saint Gilloise in third round qualifier second leg action sealing a 3-2 aggregate success.

Antonino Colak and Malik Tillman had early chances to score the first of at least two goals the home side in Glasgow needed to stay alive in this tie. Colak had another chance somehow saved by Anthony Moris but he could do nothing to stop James Tavernier scoring from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time and giving Rangers' European chances a major shot in the arm. The club's new number nine then restored parity with another of his attempts, this one successful after a Scott Arfield shot was denied on the line by Moris.

John Lundstram almost completed the comeback but it was Malik Tillman who met Union's goalkeeper in no-man's land to head home the all-important third goal that sealed play-off progression, standing two games away from a coveted elite European group stage spot. Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side had to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg in Leuven and did so tremendously. Here is how we rated the Rangers on a fine night at Ibrox.

READ MORE: Rangers' Alfredo Morelos 'cant touch' Jota as Celtic hero bites back at Kris Boyd

Jon McLaughlin - 6

Didn't have a lot to do on the night and is going through a transition of becoming a club's number one again. Couple of dodgy passes out and almost got Sands sent off with one.

James Tavernier - 8

A leader's performance. Didn't hide from the big occasion and was a steady hand at the back, while scoring from the spot with the weight of the club on his shoulders.

Connor Goldson - 7

Had to be on alert to help Sands when shaky moments on the ball emerged. No danger was posed by the Belgian visitors.

James Sands - 6

Still looks to be adjusting to what this position may look like for him. The natural midfielder was solid enough but a few scary moments on the ball. Huge tackle to save McLaughlin.

Borna Barisic - 8

Another night of the bad and sublime. Floats in the cross which Siebe Van der Heyden inexplicably handballed and Tillman's but Tavernier visibly got frustrated with him when switching off at key moments. His two goal contributions are what will be remembered on a fine night.

Tom Lawrence - 9

Continued his strong start to life at Ibrox with another cigar and slippers performance. Several neat passes and driving run, Union couldn't live with him.

John Lundstram - 7

An energetic performance again from the Scouse battler who almost netted a memorable goal in the second half.

Scott Arfield - 7

Constant driving runs from midfield were a key source of attacking pressure for Rangers up against a stuffy defence. Subbed after an energetic hour.

Malik Tillman - 7

Plenty of impressive touches but seemed to be played out of a natural position on the flank. Looks a natural 10 with great vision and position change led to crucial goal, alongside a 10ft jump.

Ryan Kent - 6

A bit rusty but understandable given he's been thrown in off the back of an injury. Few moments of undoubted quality.

Antonio Colak - 8

Chance after chance and was unfortunate to only have the one goal on the night. Shrugged off last week's criticism for his quiet display in Belgium with emphatic ease.

Rabbi Matondo - 5

Came off the bench and showed flashes of pace.

Alfredo Morelos - 4

Continued his recovery from injury with a late cameo and almost scored twice. Ominous signs for defences everywhere.

Ben Davies - 3

Another to appear late as he settles in Glasgow life.

Glen Kamara - 3

Subbed on to help see the game out.

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