Rangers hopes of making up ground in the title race suffered another blow as Marley Watkins’ late goal ensured a 1-0 win for Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon.
The result means Philippe Clement’s side remain third in the Scottish Premiership table, six points behind Celtic and Aberdeen, who drew 2-2 on Saturday.
Here’s how the Rangers players fared at a windy Rugby Park…
Read more:
- Clement explains why Rangers year is ‘difficult to look back on’
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Clement names Rangers team to face Kilmarnock - with two changes
Jack Butland
Saved his own blushes with an important recovery to make amends for a mistake early on. Wasn’t an easy afternoon for the experienced shot-stopper with Kilmarnock putting several enticing balls into the box. 5
James Tavernier
Shown a yellow card for a silly foul on Brad Lyons in the first half. Was made to battle by Matty Kennedy, who ensured that the Rangers captain wasn’t given much peace. Always a threat going forward though. 6
Robin Propper
Still adapting to Scottish football however the Dutchman does seem to be forging a better partnership with Souttar as every game passes. He had to be replaced just after the half hour mark because of a knock. Hopefully it’s just a precaution. 6
John Souttar
Fresh after keeping Cristiano Ronaldo at bay, the spotlight was on Rangers centre-back. He was pretty solid until Watkins put him off balance and fired beyond Butland with three minutes remaining. 6
His lightening quick pace is clearly a strong asset to Rangers. Although the young Brazilian was almost caught out with 20 minutes to play when Kennedy pounced and ended up in on goal only for Butland to be equal to it. 6
Connor Barron
Reintroduced back into the starting XI. The former Aberdeen youngster was one of the more accurate passers in the Light Blues team - completing 29 out of his 31. 6
Mohamed Diomande
Very composed on the ball and kept things moving for Rangers in the midfield. The problem was that the game was extremely scrappy so nothing would really stick for very long. 6
Tom Lawrence
Didn’t get involved enough. Game seemed to pass him by. 5
Vaclav Cerny
Clearly a player who has that bit of brilliance in his locker. Unfortunately it’s consistency that seems to let the Rangers loanee down. 5
Nedim Bajrami
Energetic but nothing was really coming off for him. Seems to be a prevalent theme with Rangers’ summer signings. 5
Cyriel Dessers
Was unlucky not to test McCrorie when Tavernier picked him out with an excellent pass on 15 minutes. Took his first touch well but then failed to get a strong connection on his shot. It wasn’t the Nigerian’s best game that’s for sure. It’s clear why he’s a striker that really splits the opinion of Rangers supporters. 5
Substitutes
Leon Balogun
A first Rangers appearance since early September and it was evident. He was run ragged and didn’t look comfortable at all. 3
Nicolas Raskin
Didn’t make an impact. 4
Hamza Igamane
A very raw summer recruit. Didn’t really see much of the ball. One half chance set up by Dowell late on. 4
Kieran Dowell
Found Igamane with a brilliant pass in second half stoppage time. 4
Neraysho Kasanwirjo
On as a sub for the fourth match running. Played Watkins onside for the winner. Gave away a needless free-kick shortly after too. 3
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