Livingston manager David Martindale admits he planned to expose Rangers’ full-backs James Tavernier and Ridvan Yilmaz during Wednesday’s Scottish League Cup quarter final clash at Ibrox.
For all their qualities going forward, the Rangers full-backs are not exactly renowned for their defensive discipline.
And, ahead of the midweek, last-eight clash, Martindale’s tactical blueprint revolved around isolating James Tavernier and Ridvan Yilmaz (chosen ahead of Borna Barisic on the night), and doubling up, breaking through Mick Beale’s backline with quick one-twos on the flank.
“We were getting one-v-ones with Tav (Tavernier), which was the game plan coming into it with Tav, Barisic or Yilmaz, whoever it was going to be,” Martindale reflects at full-time.
“I think we managed to do that. But (in the first) 20 minutes, there’s definitely not enough in terms of how we defended.”
Rangers cruise past Livingston in League Cup
Abdallah Sima’s early opener – controversial it must be said – might not have totally destroyed Livingston’s pre-match game plan. But it certainly disrupted it. A Rangers team reeling after those Sunday jeers boosted by a flying start at Ibrox.
Sima was outstanding. His finest performance since that summer arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion. A flurry of three more goals in the final half hour, meanwhile, completed Rangers’ most commanding, most confident home display of the campaign, Yilmaz marking a rare start with a well-taken finish before a Livi own goal and a late Ryan Jack cherry on the cake.
“We won our third game in seven days. Another clean sheet and we are in the semi-final and Livingston didn’t have a shot on target. It was a good night for us,” Beale beams, Rangers cutting loose after those nervy 1-0 wins over Motherwell and Real Betis (Rangers Review).
“We were a bit more patient. I thought at times we could have speeded up a little bit, but our general possession was much better than the weekend.”
‘I am delighted for Ridvan’
Beale was keen to single out Yilmaz too. A £3.4 million signing from Besiktas, this was the left-backs first Rangers goal in only his 18th appearance.
“I was delighted for Ridvan,” the manager adds. “He’s had a rough year and a bit to his Rangers career. He’s shown in flashes why the club invested in him and why he was such a big talent in Turkey and their national team.
“Obviously injuries have held him back. Hopefully that’s the start of him showing what we can do more regularly.”
