Gareth McAuley’s first start for Rangers ended in just about as positive a fashion as it could’ve done yesterday.
The centre-back played a starring role as the Gers overcame Livingston 3-0 at Ibrox. Alongside Connor Goldson, McAuley swept up everything that came his way, and looked the part at the heart of Steven Gerrard’s defence.
It was a high-pressure match for the Northern Ireland veteran to step into. With Celtic having beaten Hamilton 3-0 earlier on in the day, the pressure was on for three points. McAuley was just one of several top performers to ensure Gerrard’s men kept pace with Brendan Rodgers’ side.
And supporters therefore took to Twitter post-match to provide their appreciation for McAuley’s debut start.
https://twitter.com/samjsneddon1872/status/1066424760622608384
https://twitter.com/No5urrender/status/1066407068276584448
https://twitter.com/Karma_Polis/status/1066386927346167808
https://twitter.com/sunshinekid10/status/1066377046467719169
A consistent starter or in and out?
One of the big talking points from supporters has been about whether McAuley can play on a consistent basis. Does he have the fitness levels to deal with Rangers’ hectic upcoming schedule?
Given the fact he hasn’t played first-team football since his time at West Brom last season, that may very well be the case. But there’s been no early sign of fatigue in McAuley’s game so far.
The main worry for Gerrard is the chopping and changing. Ever since a 2-2 draw in Villarreal where Joe Worrall came in for Nikola Katic, Rangers have never had a settled back-line.
Instead, there’s been constant changes that’s seen the club leak silly goals and drop points they never should’ve done. There’s even an argument for saying that a consistent defence would’ve had Rangers at the top of the league come this stage.
The fans are liking the look of McAuley however, with not a single word of criticism towards him for his Livingston display.
Connor Goldson is simply desperate for a number one partner alongside him, and he therefore deserves credit for his consistency throughout the uncertainty.
The Rangers fans, however, are clear in their support for their newly-fit Northern Irishman.
