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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Blair Meikle

Rangers players rated as they edge past Viktoria Plzen in Champions League

Jack Butland 7 Made more than one save as the hosts grew into the game as the first half wore on, particularly from a fierce Karel Spacil strike. Called upon at times after the break too, including when Jefte allowed Havel a run on him late on. Not at fault for either of the goals as there was not a lot he could have done.

James Tavernier 6

Russell Martin showed he still has faith in his captain by putting him back in, and he generally applied himself well, putting in a strong block at a crucial moment in the first half. Always a threat from set pieces and, while none came to anything, put some dangerous balls in.

John Souttar 7

Defended fairly well and while the hosts threatened at times, they didn't cut through the visiting defence too many times. Remains Rangers' best defender as it stands.

Nasser Djiga 7

Looks to be a solid addition to the backline with a strong partnership potentially building with Souttar. One moment of misunderstanding was probably more the Wolves loanee's fault but it wasn't much to worry about.

Jefte 5

Caught out by a long ball for the opening goal and tripped as he desperately tried to recover, allowing the Plzen winger to supply the cutback for Rafiu Durosinmi. Competent enough going forward but those defensive frailties were on show again. Allowed Milan Havel in front of him for what could have been a winner on the night.

Nicolas Raskin 7

Quietly effective, especially out of possession. Could perhaps have been more involved in possession and had better use of the ball but definitely showed the qualities that Martin praised him for after his sub appearance against Dundee.

Lyall Cameron 7

Involved in a lot of the positive play and one of the team's biggest threats from the centre of midfield. That turned into something tangible with the equalising goal around the hour mark, his first for the club and a memorable moment given the stage it came on. A real bright spot of the season so far.

Mohamed Diomande 6

Busy as always in the engine room and some bits of quality to go with it too. Involved in the equalising goal with a bursting run and end product. Still too erratic at times and you never quite know what you're going to get from him at any given moment, never mind game to game.

Djeidi Gassama 6

Almost Rangers' talisman in this competition before this game but had a much quieter night as he and fellow wide man Antman struggled to get into it. A tad brighter after the break as he looked to make things happen, almost slipping a couple of teammates in and having some shots on goal too.

Oliver Antman 5

Probably even quieter than Gassama and didn't make good use of the moments he was involved. The Finland winger was electric in the first leg after just signing the day before, but this wasn't a night for him.

Cyriel Dessers 6

Worked hard and tried to make runs but didn't get much change out of the home defence. Did have a strong claim for a first half penalty. Off injured early in the second half which will be a worry for the manager and heighten the need for reinforcements in the transfer market.

Subs:

Danilo (for Dessers, 54)  6

Had an immediate impact with the assist for Cameron's goal. General hold-up and link play had already looked good by that point too, and continued to lead the line until the final whistle.

Joe Rothwell (for Diomande, 68) 4

Rangers looked calmer and more settled in possession after he came on. The goal certainly helped but his role in that can't be downplayed either. However, he appeared to lose his man (Svetozar Markovic) for the second goal.

Kieran Dowell (for Cameron, 68) 4

The manager continues to give him chances despite fan reticence. Won't have done much to win them over as not massively involved here.

Oscar Cortes (for Gassama, 86) N/A

On to help run down the clock and not enough time to make an impact.

Nedim Bajrami (for Antman, 86) N/A

On to help run down the clock and not enough time to make an impact.

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