Rangers manager Philippe Clement had a few issues to contend with pre-match in terms of his defence but was still able to select a strong looking team for the visit of Aris Limassol.
In the first game with the Cypriots, the lack of left-backs meant that he had to change formation, however, on this occasion at Ibrox, his squad was short of match fit centre-halves.
Rangers performance against Aris Limassol is far from what Philippe Clement would have been looking for with many not doing anywhere near enough.
Rangers News match ratings for Aris Limassol
Jack Butland – 7
Easily the signing of the summer and continues to be trusted to produce whenever his defence switches off, managed to do it early doors but not for Limassol’s opener.
Allan who?
James Tavernier – 5
Having a ridiculous season in terms of numbers and, despite now being in the veteran stage of his career, is showing no signs of slowing down, on this occasion though, he struggled to make an impact in the final third.
Borna Barisic – 6
Was fortunate not to be hooked at Pittodrie and is lucky that Ridvan Yilmaz isn’t in the Europa League squad, however, was much improved and deserves credit for that.
Started brightly and was our best attacking outlet but faded and didn’t offer much in the second period.
John Souttar – 6
Had his turn this season as first choice alongside Connor Goldson and made his first appearance after being out for over a month, not that you would have noticed after covering on a couple of occasions.
Carried the ball well out of defence on a number of occasions.
Ben Davies – 6
Was caught square alongside Souttar for Limassol’s goal but other than that was solid enough.
John Lundstram – 6
There were some grumbles amongst the support for his display against Aberdeen, that it was ponderous and lacking dynamism.
Until he is replaced, he is still key to the tempo of this team and when he is on it, it is easy to see why, best player in a poor first half.
Did the work of two in the engine room.
Jose Cifuentes – 4
Quietly effective against Aberdeen and, at least, always looks to either play a forward pass or move the ball quickly, starting to settle into life at Rangers in Ryan Jack’s absence but he was miles off it tonight and struggled to find any teammates with a pass.
Gave away possession and too many free-kicks.
Sam Lammers – 4
His inclusion made sense given that Tom Lawrence is just back to fitness and Philippe Clement has managed to get a bit of a tune out of him.
Was lucky not to be taken off instead of Todd Cantwell as everything broke down when it came to him, should have been subbed sooner.
Todd Cantwell – 4
Not having a great season after his immediate impact last term, however, there can never be any question marks over his work rate or desire to make something happen and be a positive influence.
Unlucky to be taken off in the first half but kept getting caught in possession.
Abdallah Sima – 6
The Senegal international has been quiet of late but has the skillset that is capable of always causing opposition defences problems.
Huffed and puffed but an off night for the on loan forward.
Danilo – 6
Starved of decent service all night but worked tirelessly to put the Limassol defence under pressure.
Substitutes
Ross McCausland – 7
Outstanding, full of energy, worked hard out of possession and caused Limassol problems every time he got the ball.
Took his goal brilliantly and now deserves to start more often.
Tom Lawrence – 6
Did more than Lammers but should have been on a lot sooner so that he could get up to the pace of the game.
Rabbi Matondo – 6
No on long enough to make any real impact.
