Rangers

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

The past two fixtures have been full of goals for this Rangers side.

The five against Killie were excellent, even if the first half didn't bring the best performance. It was good to see the strength on the bench and the goals fly in.

On Sunday, it was a continuation of the second half on Wednesday. There was no slacking and it was nice to see Rangers become ruthless and stick eight past Queen's Park.

Yes, those two matches come with certain caveats, but you can see a Rangers squad that looks stronger, has good options all over the park and the players feeling more comfortable and confident in what they are being asked to do by Danny Rohl.

Rohl's new additions in the January window have given him lots of tactical flexibility. On Wednesday, it was a 4-2-3-1 and on Sunday the 4-4-2 made an appearance. Bearing in mind he has also used a back three at times, it will keep the opposition guessing.

Next up is a tough test at Fir Park against a Motherwell side who have been excellent at home. If Rangers play to their capabilities, and put in a performance the polar opposite of what they produced at Easter Road, they will win. Same applies on Sunday against Hearts.

It will be interesting to see how Rohl uses the squad in these two matches. I'm hoping Ryan Naderi starts as the number nine.

The newly-arrived striker, in the short time we've seen him, has made a positive impact. Having marked his first start with a double at the weekend he looks like he can be a killer in the box - something we've badly lacked this season.

The progress Rangers have made under Rohl has been fantastic given where the team were when he took over.

This week feels big in terms of judging the real, tangible progress of this team. Two wins would be brilliant.

Image source, Rangers FC

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has won the Scottish Premiership manager of the month award for January after a flawless league run.

Rohl's side won all four league matches in January, beating Celtic, Aberdeen home and away and Dundee as they climbed to second.

"I am delighted to have won the manager of the month award," Rohl said.

"However, this award is not about me; it is also for the rest of the coaching staff as well as the players.

"We have worked tirelessly as a group to get into the position we are now, and I hope there may be more of these awards in the months ahead, as that means collectively we have achieved what we want to achieve here at Rangers."

Celtic and Rangers were both interested in signing Damir Redzic, but the 22-year-old Hungary striker opted for Red Bull Salzburg despite Celtic making a higher offer, Dunajska Streda sports director Jan Van Daele has revealed. (The Herald), external

Rangers remain hopeful of retaining Bailey Rice despite interest from a number of clubs across Europe and in the Premier League and plan fresh contract talks with the 19-year-old midfielder, who is a free agent in the summer, when he recovers from his knee injury. (Football Insider), external

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder believes Joe Rothwell's lack of game time at Rangers was a factor in the midfielder being sent off on his Blades debut. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

We asked for your views on Rangers' 8-0 win against Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup.

Here's what some of you said:

Stephen: We are starting to play as a team, not 11 strangers.

Brian: Not wishing to get carried away by this resounding victory but I believe we are now witnessing a totally different animal of a Rangers team being created under Danny Rohl .

The new signings clearly bring much needed height and a more skilful and robust approach. This all bodes well for the future and hopefully we have the foundations of a winning dynasty which will bring our time in the wilderness to an end. A proper test will come at Fir Park. Keep calm and carry on.

John: This team is starting to click at just the right time. The next few weeks are going to be interesting.

Glen: Good to see strikers scoring. Well done James Tavernier on your first hat-trick, not the greatest of opponents but you can only play what's in front of you.

James: What's really exciting is we're steadily improving and we're not done yet. Thank you Rohl, and Andrew Cavenagh for supporting him.

Rab: The first time in a long time where Rangers did what was expected. Rohl has worked wonders with the squad he inherited, and the new signings look like improvements. The quiet revolution continues, the feel-good factor is back, and who knows where it could lead?

Ian: Way better. Yes, it's Queens, Park but where we came from to now, it's impressive, no matter what anyone says.

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Rangers winger Oliver Antman says he is "going in the right direction" as he backed up scoring his first goal for the club against Kilmarnock with a fine performance in the demolition of Queen's Park.

The Finland international initially struggled after a summer move from Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, before spending two months out injured.

But the 24-year-old added his first Rangers goal and an assist as a substitute against Kilmarnock, and laid on another goal and was heavily involved as Danny Rohl's side eased into the Scottish Cup quarter-finals

"I try to give a lot of energy and get something going on in the game," Antman told BBC Scotland.

"I still feel I'm still not quite where I can be. Coming back from an injury and all that. But it's going in the right direction in terms of goals and assists. So I'm feeling good."

Antman says going from the Eredivisie to the Scottish Premiership has also taken a period of adjustment, and the influence of Rohl has helped him improve.

"It's a big difference," Antman said of Scottish football.

"It's a compact game and quite physical so there is some adaptation to that and I think I'm finally getting there.

"I'm just enjoying this moment. It's also different playing now compared to before my injury because we are doing really good at the moment so it's easier to get in the team and do well.

"I think he's [Rohl] done a great job. We have some great players and the depth in the team is really good and the confidence in the team is also great and we have this belief we can win every single game ahead of us."

Asked about ending the season with two trophies at Rangers, Antman said: "That's the plan. With this squad we are more than capable of doing that."

Former Rangers head coach Russell Martin is the bookmakers' favourite for the Leicester City job after the Championship club sacked Marti Cifuentes. (Glasgow Times), external

Celtic could claim an away ticket allocation of more than 10,000 for their Scottish Cup quarter-final trip to Ibrox, if signed off by both clubs and the police.

Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

• St Mirren v Partick Thistle

• Falkirk v Dundee United or Spartans

• Rangers v Celtic

• Dunfermline Athletic v Aberdeen or Motherwell

All four last-eight ties are scheduled to be played on weekend of 7 March.

Image source, SNS

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl told BBC Scotland: "I'm very happy and pleased for my group. You never know what will happen in a cup game, you have to take it very seriously. Today, we did our job.

"It was very professional. We scored early, this is always helpful in such a game. It was about being hungry for more. Second half, they went very deep but we did well.

"We spoke about the final third, how to break them down, the runs we need. It showed that our squad is ready. A lot of players are ready.

"When I took over, it was about finding a group to find wins and get balance. Now, win by win, we feel the confidence. Everyone is now focused on the next game because we have a big week ahead.

"We need a lot of intensity [on Wednesday]. Motherwell keep the ball well. We have to press. At Ibrox, we won 1-0 but had other good opportunities. We want to show what we can do."

James Tavernier got three and Ryan Naderi scored two as Rangers romped past Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup.

Read the match report.

Have your say on the action.

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Tuur Rommens is looking forward to advancing his career at Rangers as the Belgian left-back settles into life at Ibrox.

The 22-year-old January signing came off the bench to make his debut in the 5-1 Premiership win over Kilmarnock on Wednesday and is pushing for a place against Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.

"I think it's a good step," said the former Westerlo player. "In Belgium, we didn't play for the highest (position) in the league, so that's changed.

"It takes me away from my comfort zone. It will help me develop as a person and as a player.

"I hope to bring energy into the team. I hope to help the team to achieve the goals and I hope I can make an impact this season.

"It was wonderful to make my debut. There was a little bit of frustration, but I had something in my back, so we had to manage it, and we managed it well.

"And now I'm just focused on getting minutes here."

Rangers were stunned 1-0 by Championship side Queen's Park at Ibrox last year at the same stage of the competition.

It was one of the biggest shocks in the history of the competition but Rommens is aware that a lot has changed in 12 months.

He said: "I also heard about this, but this is a new game, a new season, new people in the club so you cannot compare the two things to each other."

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New Rangers signing Ryan Naderi regards comparisons to Germany strikers past and present as a "big honour" but is determined to forge his own reputation at Ibrox.

Rangers boss Danny Rohl, who signed Naderi on deadline day from German third-tier side Hansa Rostock, revealed the 22-year-old was likened to former Germany forward Fredi Bobic and current Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade by colleagues back home.

Naderi made his debut off the bench in the 5-1 Premiership win over Kilmarnock in midweek and could be handed a first start when Queen's Park visit Ibrox in the Scottish Cup fifth round on Sunday.

"A big honour, definitely," Naderi said of the comparisons.

"I appreciate it but I will always try to play my own game, not to compare to someone else, and to focus on my strengths I have.

"But it's a big honour to be compared to those names. Definitely.

"Those are big footsteps and I will definitely try my best to be as good as possible.

"And yes, it's a big honour that you come up with those names, and it's also part of the pressure because the expectations are high. But I'm ready to fight for everything.

"Personally, I just want to score goals, give good impacts in games, and of course the main target is to be on top of the table and win the league."

Naderi admits he was "a bit nervous" about his move to Ibrox but is excited to help Rohl's side push for the Premiership title.

"I was a bit nervous just because it's a big step for me," he said.

"But I try to enjoy every second and it was an amazing, amazing feeling. I just wanted to get the deal done.

"I noticed that the negotiations were ongoing for summer as well, and I'm just happy to be here now because I can give my input to the team and try to win the title."

Second-tier Queen's Park will be "hoping for deja vu" when they visit Rangers in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.

Rangers were knocked out by Sunday's opponents at the same stage last year, also at Ibrox, in one of the biggest ever Scottish Cup shocks.

Despite Rangers' dominance, Seb Drozd scored what proved to be the winner in the 69th minute before Callum Ferrie saved James Tavernier's penalty deep into injury-time.

Queen's Park were under the cosh from start to finish at Ibrox. They faced 28 shots, nine on target, and Ferrie made nine saves. Conversely, the Spiders had just one shot, which found the back of the net, but didn't force Liam Kelly into any further saves.

After the cup exit, Philippe Clement lasted just two further matches before being sacked as Rangers manager.

Former St Mirren and Falkirk midfielder Ryan Flynn thinks things will be different for the Ibrox club this time round.

"Queen's Park will be hoping for, deja vu, won't they?" he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"The same round of the cup, it was an incredible achievement what they did last year and they deserved to go through. I just think it's different times now.

"Danny Rohl has galvanised that club. They're three points off top of the league, who would have thought come the start of February that's where Rangers would be? It's incredible.

"Queen's Park have had a hard run of fixtures, I just can't see it being the same. Hopefully there's that drama and upset because that's exactly what everybody wants.

"Everyone will be favouring the underdog but I think it's really going to be a tough ask for Queen's Park second time around."

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson says his old team must work on a deal to extend the loan of Mikey Moore from Tottenham for next season. (Daily Record, subscription required), external

Image source, SNS

Rangers coach Steven Smith says a decade of "pain" for supporters was a factor in the half-time booing against Kilmarnock, but called for unity from the stands as the title race heats up.

Following Dominic Thompson's early red card, hosts Rangers were only 1-0 up at the interval against the 10-man strugglers on Wednesday night and supporters aired their frustration.

Danny Rohl's side went on to win 5-1 and next face Queen's Park in the Scotish Cup fifth round on Sunday.

"We know it's a very demanding support, but one thing I will say is we're going to need them between now and the end of the season," said Smith.

"They're going to play a big part, so it has to be everyone together.

"There has to be an understanding of the pain they've had for the last 10 to 15 years. Everybody knows about it.

"I think we're coming to a point in the season where the performances aren't going to be perfect all the time, that's just normal.

"There will be moments that people will get edgy and players will get edgy but that's where the supporters need to stick with us and believe, because they can get us out of some difficult moments."

Rangers were stunned 1-0 by Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup last term to hasten the departure of manager Philippe Clement.

And Smith suggests that giantkilling will help drive the players to avoid another upset.

"I think it'll be fresh in the players' minds," he said.

"There's still six or seven players in the group that were here and involved in that game.

"I don't think we'll treat Queen's Park lightly and players will be ready to go."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Rangers fans had to wait three weeks for a glimpse of Tuur Rommens - but first impressions were encouraging.

The Belgian left-back, signed from Westerlo on a three-and-a-half year deal, came off the bench for his debut in the 65th minute against Kilmarnock with Rangers 2-0 up and struggling to create against the 10-man visitors.

Rommens, 22, helped reinvigorate an Ibrox side that had left the field to a smattering of boos at half-time before they eventually ran out 5-1 winners.

"Rommens at left-back was up and down, he looks powerful, he looks as if he's got a calmness in his decision-making," former Rangers forward Steven Naismith said on Sportsound.

The numbers from his 25-minute cameo tally with Naismith's assessment.

The full-back had seven touches in the Killie box - second only to Oliver Antman - played 10 forward passes, four balls into the box and created three opportunities, two of which were big chances.

He capped his first appearance with an assist for Antman's goal, Rangers' fourth.

"It was Rommen's level of intelligence that was the most impressive thing," striker Ibrox striker Rory Loy said.

"The timing of his runs, his ability to remain composed in the box, lift his head and pick a man out. That's vitally important.

"Jayden Meghoma is a little bit raw at time and his decision-making in the final third isn't always there. Rommens just looks a little bit more composed on the ball in dangerous areas of the pitch than Meghoma does."

Image source, SNS

Rangers boss Danny Rohl was "very surprised" by grumbling from Rangers fans in the 5-1 win over 10-man Kilmarnock.

The Ibrox side struggled to capitalise against second-bottom Killie after James Tavernier's penalty opener following Dom Thompson's fifth-minute dismissal for denying Djeidi Gassama a goalscoring opportunity.

The half-time whistle brought some booing from home supporters before goals from Bojan Miovski, Andreas Skov Olsen - his first for the club - Oliver Antman and Mikey Moore completed a big win, with Killie replying through Greg Kiltie following a Jack Butland blunder.

Victory moved Rangers above Celtic, whose game at Aberdeen was postpoined, and within three points of Premiership leaders Hearts.

Rohl, who took over from Russell Martin in October, said: "I couldn't understand this, I must say this.

"I love our fans, really, but today I was really surprised. In the last couple of weeks we spoke about 'we', and 'we' want to be together, and 'we' need the crowd.

"We led very early in this first half and then I was really surprised, but it's my job then to give my players the right feeling for this game, the right instruction.

"What we saw is that we have a strong bench now, I think this is crucial.

"Some players start, and everyone knows the first 60 minutes is sometimes harder than the last 30 minutes.

"Some players scored, we want to create confidence, give them minutes. It's the reason why I'm very proud of my group at the moment, it's not about me, it's all about my group because they deserve a lot of credit for what they did.

"In some moments we forget very soon and very quickly which position we were in 10 weeks ago, and it was not me, it was my group who came from a position we were behind, from 14 (13) points down to three points.

"Maybe this deserves sometimes a little bit of positive energy."

We asked for your thoughts after Rangers beat 10-man Kilmarnock 5-1 to move three points behind league leaders Hearts in the Premiership.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

George: Best performance by far in a long time. The football was inventive and entertaining so let's see if Rangers carry this forward. Jack Butland will be fuming with the mistake but he's saved us so many times and in this game there was no harm done.

David: Rangers' finishing was woeful against 10-man Kilmarnock for most of the game, the score flatters them.

Peter: Great to get the three points however Neil McCann is correct, the scoreline flattered us immensely. Early lead thanks to a penalty then only two shots registered on target against a 10-man Killie until the 58th minute. That's quite shocking really. Still far too many squandered chances up front.

Torquil: Took an age for the team to get going but once the new lads came on, we looked like a new team. Positive debuts from Tuur Rommens and Ryan Naderi, but remember this was against a 10-man Killie. The proof will be against Hearts next weekend. Need to keep the momentum up against Queen's Park now

Anon: If Danny Rohl is puzzled by the reaction of the fans after the first half then he needs to be having a look at what he put on the park. We were excited to see the four new signings but none of them started and the starting 11 struggled big time against 10 men for 42 minutes, hence the booing at half-time. Why he keeps playing Thelo Aasgaard is a real issue and I wonder why all of Russell Martin's signings, with the exception of Joe Rothwell, are still there.

Steven: That first half was about as bad as it gets: flat, abject and utterly impotent. Aasgaard appeared scared to play forward and Mohamed Diomande was mid-controlling the ball or falling about. Bojan Miovski looked lost, with Nicolas Raskin and Mikey Moore the only ones trying to drive the team forward. Much improved in the second half but we won't play against 10 men every week - we have to do much, much better if we want to be successful.

Watch all the highlights from a 5-1 win for Rangers at Ibrox after Kilmarnock were reduced to 10 men in the opening minutes. (Available to UK users only)

Rangers narrowed Hearts' lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to three points as they eventually dismantled 10-man Kilmarnock at Ibrox.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.