Former Rangers hero Peter Lovenkrands paid the ultimate compliment to Dan Neil, after witnessing his performance in the 3-0 demolition of Celtic in the Premier Sports League Cup on Sunday.
The former Sunderland captain produced a statement performance in his Old Firm debut, truly marking his arrival as a Rangers player.
His all-round game was superb, but elevated by an excellent brace, with both strikes converted very well.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Peter Lovenkrands commented that he hasn’t seen that level of impact from a Rangers player in a derby game since the days of Barry Ferguson.
Peter Lovenkrands heaps praise on Dan Neil after dominant Rangers display
“Dan Neil ran the show from the start,” Lovenkrands told BBC Radio Scotland.
“On the ball, he never lost a pass. Simple things, he was doing everything right.
“I’ve not seen a performance like that since Barry Ferguson in the way he controlled the midfield.”
Wow. That is high praise.
Former Denmark international Lovenkrands added, “He popped up with goals, not just any goals, top-class finishes.
“It was an outstanding performance.”
Now the challenge for Dan Neil and this Rangers team is to build on the performance.
In isolation, it was excellent, but it needs to be more than that.
Going to a full Parkhead next week, with no Rangers fans, will be a test that some of these players haven’t faced before.
They will need to show their mettle and push on to secure a result next weekend, but the belief has been installed.
On Rangers, on.
