Rangers played their first game at Hampden Park against Motherwell as Philippe Clement looked to get his first win of the season.
A dominant first-half laid the foundations for a solid performance with moments of class from Vaclav Cerny reminding fans what a competent winger can bring to a team.
There is still a lot of work to be done to the squad but Robin Propper’s introduction should add more solidity to the defence, even if his first real impact for Rangers was putting into his own net.
Robin Propper scores bizarre Rangers own-goal
James Tavernier should have done more to stop the cross whilst John Souttar couldn’t get enough of his head on the ball to clear.
Propper’s intervention couldn’t have ended up anywhere worse leaving Jack Butland helpless with BBC Scotland pundit Leanne Crichton left speechless:
“It’s the strangest goal you’ll see. Robin Propper tries to adjust but he gets it completely wrong. I don’t think anyone can believe it.”
The ball just seemed to catch the end of the big Dutch stopper’s toe but it was enough to arrow it past Butland between the sticks.
As Twente’s captain, the 30-year old was signed as an immediate replacement for Connor Goldson and to bring strength, experience and composure to the rearguard.
Aside from the freak goal, this is exactly what he brought to the team and his debut appearance was promising.
Propper relishing the chance to make Rangers impression
Speaking on his announcement, Propper couldn’t say no to a move to the Ibrox outfit:
“Rangers is a big club and it feels really good to be here.
“I was glad to hear about the club wanting to sign me. I always said I wanted to have a new adventure in another country and when a club like Rangers comes in for you it feels surreal.
“This club breathes football and you want to play your football here.
“I spoke to Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny and they only had nice things to say about the club. It’s nice to see some familiar faces.
“You hear about the Rangers fans and how it is here and I am really happy to be here.”
The yellow card he received for a foul on Lennon Miller was an example of how he goes about his business.
Hard, no nonsense and physical.
It was probably a free-kick, but the card from Kevin Clancy was harsh.
Hopefully, the next goal Propper scores is at the other end of the park though.
