How the Rangers players rated in narrow win over Kilmarnock at Ibrox.
Allan McGregor – 6
Did well to get down and deny Alan Power in the 56th minute given that he had not had a single save to make up until that point in proceedings. Also held a weak effort from Dario Del Fabro.
James Tavernier - 6
Headed wide after being supplied by his fellow full-back at the end of the first half. Sliced a shot into the crowd early in the second. Got forward at every available opportunity and was untroubled defensively throughout.
Connor Goldson – 6
Had a header blocked at a Borna Barisic corner in the first half. Was a composed presence in the Rangers back line. Distributed the ball coolly under pressure throughout.
Nikola Katic – 6
Was untroubled by Kilmarnock forward Liam Miller and then, after he came on, Eamonn Brophy during the 90 minutes. Had a late header saved by the excellent Laurentiu Branescu from a Borna Barisic corner late on.
Borna Barisic – 6
His deliveries into the Kilmarnock box throughout the 90 minutes cause the visitors all kinds of problems. The Croatian left-back forced Branescu to make a good save at full stretch in the second half.
Scott Arfield – 6
Couldn’t be faulted for effort. Put in a powerful shift throughout the match. But he, like so many of those around him, toiled to create an opening against a side who sat back and sought to score on the counter attack. Made way for Greg Stewart.
Glen Kamara - 5
The Finnish midfielder hit the crossbar with a long-range shot just before half-time. Was tidy on the ball without ever causing Kilmarnock any significant problems. Has enjoyed better afternoons this season.
Ryan Jack – 7
Bossed the midfield. Volleyed just wide from the edge of the Kilmarnock penalty box in the first-half and then saw another decent attempt palmed away by the keeper in the second. A deserved recipient of the Man of the Match award.
Joe Aribo – 6
Supplied Jermain Defoe for an early shot at goal and also teed up the striker’s replacement Alfredo Morelos for what proved to be the winner in the second half. But the former Charlton man was another Rangers player who wasn’t his usual self.
Ryan Kent – 6
Did well to tee up Aribo with a chance in the 20th minute. Headed a Barisic cross over in the second-half and then forced a fine save from Branescu with a long-range attempt. Probed constantly for an opening. Made way for Steven Davis.
Jermain Defoe - 5
Retained his place in the starting line-up despite the availability of Alfredo Morelos. Had a shot blocked early on. Struggled against ultra-defensive opponents thereafter. Was replaced by Morelos before the hour was out.
Substitutes
Alfredo Morelos – 7
Made a real difference when he came on. He may have been a shade offside when he scored what proved to be the winning goal, his 28th of the 2019/20 campaign, but his side posed far more of a threat in the final third when he was on.
Greg Stewart – 3
Made some nice touches and went close with a shot in the final minute
Steven Davis - 3
The Northern Ireland internationalist’s return to action ahead of the Ladbrokes Premiership meeting with Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday was greeted with warm applause by the Rangers supporters. Will have benefitted from the run-out.
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