Rangers have started to look a lot more like a team capable of challenging for the league in recent fixtures as Philippe Clement starts to see signs of performances improving.
The manager has a squad that could see one or two more quality additions if reports are to be believed and a return to Ibrox is just around the corner.
Here are your Rangers player ratings for the visit of Ross County as the home side count down the days left at the National Stadium.
Rangers player ratings v Ross County
Philippe Clement will have had bitter sweet emotions about the free week allowing players like Robin Propper and Vaclav Cerny to get up to full fitness, but the benefits were seen today:
Jack Butland – 7
Great stop at 0-0 from a County counterattack and then another at 1-0.
After a few doubts in pre-season, seems back to his best.
James Tavernier – 6
A real mixed bag from the skipper.
Worked tirelessly and, in the early stages, looked more comfortable in midfield rotating with Dujon Sterling.
Attacks seemed to break down when he had the ball until an inch perfect cross for Rabbi Matondo to make it 2-0.
Kept trying to get into the box, as always, no questions about work rate but not really his day other than the assist.
Jefte – 8
Growing in confidence at the back and a real asset going forwards.
The first goal came from the young Brazilian choosing to drive forward into midfield instead of making an easy pass.
Domestic teams are going to hate playing against him.
Leon Balogun – 7
In for Robin Propper who isn’t quite fully fit, Balogun was assured and aggressive in his duties.
Awkward fall at an attacking set piece saw him leave the field just before half-time.
John Souttar – 7
As with Balogun, Souttar was no-nonsense and used his physicality well.
Swept up behind midfield well and made good passing choices too.
Connor Barron – 7
Barron is already giving the impression that his level isn’t going to drop below a 7/10z
Goes about his business quietly and effectively.
Can be seen sitting between the centre-halves one minute and pop up on the wing the next.
Dujon Sterling – 8
Was dominant in midfield before being moved to centre-half to cover Balogun going off injured.
A manager’s dream of a player.
Maybe one day he’ll get a chance in his natural position!
Tom Lawrence – 7
Still not as effective as Mohamed Diomande at 10 or Todd Cantwell at his peak but a moment of genius at 0-0 was enough to open the scoring.
Should have made it 2-0 but hit the post when Cyriel Dessers returned the favour to put him clean through.
However, he made no mistake making it 4-0 after a powerful run to get on the end of a Rabbi Matondo pass.
Rabbi Matondo – 10
A 10 suggests that he was perfect, far from it, however, two assists and two goals is the sort of contribution that Rangers need from their wingers.
Was a constant threat down Rangers left as he linked with Jefte.
Cyriel Dessers – 9
A proper centre-forward display from Dessers.
First goal was the perfect technique whilst the second was a classic poacher’s finish.
Dominated the Ross County defence and should have had an assist to his name.
Vaclav Cerny – 8
Just oozes quality.
Got his reward eventually with an assist for Matondo after a series of dangerous balls into the box.
Beat his marker on several occasions.
Substitutes
Mohamed Diomande – 8
Brought added quality into midfield and was a ball of energy for the 45 minutes or so that he was on the park.
Kieran Dowell – 6
Tried to get on the ball but the early changes saw the rhythm and pace of the game drop.
Robbie Fraser – 6
Grafted and looked to get in the ball but didn’t have much of a chance to make an impact higher up the park.
Ross McCausland – 6
As with Fraser, didn’t really make an impression on the game.
Danilo – 9
Gets a 9/10 for getting his first goal of 2024 and looking closer to full fitness.
Forced a great save from Ross Laidlaw before capitalising on a mistake in defence with a well taken finish into the bottom corner.
