Rangers 2-1 St. Etienne. Two penalties won the game for Derek McInnes’ team in the penultimate pre-season game.
It wasn’t an overly impressive outing. The system, shape and balance weren’t quite there, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom.
It’s pre-season. The reign of Derek McInnes is just in its infancy and the squad is clearly a work in progress. You can see some glaring gaps, but we also witnessed the first shoots of new characters aiming to stamp their authority on this new-look team.
Lawrence Shankland needs no introduction and he helped himself to a goal in Rangers colours at Ibrox at the first opportunity.
On the 5 minute mark, it was 1-0 when the former Hearts man converted from the spot.
The visitors rallied and grew into the game through to half-time.
Ian Cathro’s Ligue 2 side were well drilled and popped the ball around. They were finding holes in Rangers’ defence too easily and exposed the early fragility.
On 38 minutes, it was 1-1 through Jakob Breum and no less than what they deserved.
Devlin and Aasgaard shine in the second half for Rangers
From the start, Rangers were lacking width, but they started the second half with Tochi Chukwuani and Mo Diomande as the wide men.
On paper anyway, as the Ivorian was occupying an inverted role from the start.
It was an unusual shape and it will leave plenty of fans asking questions. Similarly, Derek McInnes’ perspective will be interesting regarding his selection tonight.
Plenty of talking points on those who didn’t feature, including Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman when the width wasn’t there.
Cammy Devlin replaced Findlay Curtis after the break and he was impressive.
He was active, vocal and biting into tackles in his typical manner.
Devlin was also a catalyst for Dan Neil to start playing the ball forward and being more progressive.
Thelo Aasgaard put in an impressive cameo and he scored from the penalty spot after a fine Neil through ball found Ryan Naderi who was brought down by the St. Etienne keeper.
The Norwegian dispatched the spot kick with aplomb, and hopefully that’s a sign of much more to come in his second season at the club.
Full time at Ibrox. Rangers 2 St. Etienne 1.
