Ovie Ejaria played with the heart of the Lion Rampant which adorns the Rangers crest on Thursday.
On Sunday he was more like a timid kitten.
The gangly, expressive midfielder has split opinion since joining from Liverpool on loan, but there’s no doubting his talent. It’s his application many take umbrage with.
A big goal lost in a tiny moment
These voices were out in force again as Ejaria – despite glancing in his direction – let Oliver Ntcham go for the goal which put Rangers to the sword yesterday.
It was a momentary lapse, a lethargic misjudgement, and it cost Rangers badly. It killed the game for us in a tired performance. Gerrard will also be demanding an explanation.
The youngster struggled to impose himself on the game and at times the occasion seemed to pass him by. That’s true of much of the Rangers team.
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After Thursday night’s performance we wanted just a little smidgen more.
The 6000-mile-return trip just seemed a European stretch too far.
A promising talent and will be a big game player
Against Ufa, Ejaria hit a bolt from the blue (or the white with the changed kit) which took us to Europe. He also dug in when we needed him most after two red cards.
Against Motherwell a few days previously, he similarly cut in from the left and scythed an effort through the arms of the Motherwell keeper. It put us up 3-2 and it clearly gave him the confidence to try that Ufa effort.
The English youngster rakes the ball around with superb close control. He can twist and turn his way out of trouble. He looks immensely composed under pressure.
Ejaria might’ve slipped up against Celtic by letting his man run, but at only 20, he still has a long way to go. The England U20 cap will learn from this.
By the end of the season, I’ve no doubt we’ll be remembering it as one in which Ovie Ejaria made an unmistakable mark on.