As Rangers travelled to Galabank to face off against Annan Athletic, you’d have perhaps forgiven the likes of Aaron Ramsey for feigning interest in the Scottish Cup clash.
After all, and barring amongst the worst results in Rangers history, the match was a formality and Rangers had the chance to rotate their squad ahead of a crunch clash with Dortmund.
But such is the strength of the Ibrox squad the team was anything but second-rate as the likes of Aaron Ramsey made his first start, Steven Davis returned to the XI, Kemar Roofe played and Amad Diallo – a £19m rising upwards of £35m signing for Man United last season – also starred.
Filip Helander even defied plastic pitch logic to make a long-awaited return from injury in what was probably the biggest boost of the night.
Whilst the conditions were torrential the Rangers attitude was beaming and the likes of Aaron Ramsey looked very much like they were enjoying their trip to the borders.
Rangers star and Juventus loanee Aaron Ramsey relishes Annan trip
Rangers would run out 3-0 winners but the attitude of the club’s squad players stole the day on a rain-soaked trip to Annan that had plenty of positives.
Several potentially key players got vital minutes, squad players got the chance to impress and some youth talents got the opportunity on the pitch.
Juventus loanee Aaron Ramsey will probably never forget his first-ever Rangers start at Galabank and after the match he spoke to the press about just how much he enjoyed the trip to Dumfries.
“It felt good to be back out there. The conditions were a bit of a challenge in the first half but I thought we did a good job today,” said Ramsey [Premier Sports].
“My first start for Cardiff was Chasetown away so it was pretty similar.
“Those conditions were a test today, very windy with the rain coming straight into the face.
“But we did a good job and we’re into the next round.”
One lucky young fan also got his hands on an Aaron Ramsey shirt and after the game the Welsh international midfielder even claimed the youngster “deserved it” for his sprint across the pitch.
We’re barely out of January and he’ll have made the kid’s year.
Next up for Rangers is a Europa League trip to German giants Borussia Dortmund and we’re sure Aaron Ramsey will hope to approach that match the same way he did this one – with a smile on his face!
Here’s our player ratings from the victory over Annan.
