Rangers booked their place in the third qualifying round of the Europa League as they got past Progres Niederkorn 2-0 on aggregate in Luxembourg – but Gers manager Steven Gerrard will be less than impressed with his side’s performance against the minnows.
Gerrard made four changes to his side from the first leg, with Jermain Defoe’s selection ahead of Alfredo Morelos the only debatable selection, and Gerrard may be rethinking his side for Sunday’s league opener against Kilmarnock.
The hosts started to find a way into the game as the first half went on and had a few chances to make the Gers defence work but couldn’t open the scoring.
Rangers took that as a bit of a warning and started going up through the gears as Defoe, Arfield and Ojo all looked a bit more lively but the Gers still couldn’t find a breakthrough before the break.
Gerrard must have been becoming more and more frustrated watching his side as they looked far too lethargic when going forward and struggled to break down the Progres defence.
Despite their attempts Progres managed to cling on for a 0-0 draw meaning Rangers will now face a trip to Denmark to face FC Midtjylland in the next round – but they’ll need to play much better if they are to get through to the playoff.
Allan McGregor – 6
Had a couple of saves to make in the first half but a relatively quiet night. Barely involved in the second half as the Gers defence dealt with what Progres offered.
James Tavernier – 6
200th appearance for Rangers and spared his side’s blushes defensively a couple of times. Not one of his best performances since arriving at Ibrox four years ago but far from his worst either.
Nikola Katic – 6
In beside Goldson after losing out to Edmundson in the first leg and should have scored in the first half. Didn’t have a huge amount to do and was solid when Progres shelled balls forward.
Connor Goldson – 6
Solid enough performance and tried to get the ball forward as the Gers dominated possession for long spells. Should have scored with a header after the break.
Borna Barisic – 6
Fired a number of dangerous crosses into the box but was caught out a couple of times defensively and had to be bailed out by team-mates. Replaced at the break after being booked early on.
Glen Kamara – 7
Made a few uncharacteristic mistakes early on but grew into the game. Anchored the midfield to allow Jack and Aribo to push on. Broke up play consistently when Progres tried to get forward and was the starting point for many of Rangers’ attacks.
Ryan Jack – 6
Covered lots of ground but didn’t offer enough in the first half. Offered more in the second half but looked to go through the motions for too long.
Joe Aribo – 7
A decent performance from Aribo as the midfielder showed some flashes of his skill as his footwork got him out of trouble a few times. Looked the most likely to make things happen for long spells but faded a little later on.
Scott Arfield – 6
Drifted in and out of the game as the Gers front-three struggled to really influence the game at times. Tried to get involved and create chances but Progres’ dogged defending made it difficult. Replaced by Docherty.
Sheyi Ojo – 6
On-loan Liverpool man took a bit of a kicking from the Progres players as they left their mark on several Rangers stars. Decision making needs to be better at times but that will come with experience.
Jermain Defoe – 6
Quiet night for the veteran forward as Progres frustrated the Rangers frontmen. Had one or two half-chances but nothing clear cut. Replaced by Alfredo Morelos late on.
Substitutes: Andy Halliday (6) Replaced Barisic at the break; Greg Docherty (6) Came on for Arfield with 15 minutes to go; Alfredo Morelos (6) Brought on in place of Defoe.