Defender will be missed: Three things we learned from Rangers v Aberdeen
By Dominic Toner
Football Insider analyses three talking points from Rangers’ 2-1 victory against Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.
Hill will be a big loss v Hearts
Clint Hill will miss the club’s next game against Hearts in the league after being sent off against Aberdeen. The defender received a second yellow card for a needless challenge and Rangers conceded from a free-kick in his absence. The 38-year-old was drafted back into the starting XI and for the most part enjoyed a fantastic game. The experienced centre-back was commanding in defence and showed his leadership qualities. He may not have the pace to deal with attackers, but read the game well on several occasions to break down play. Danny Wilson and Rob Kiernan are likely to start for Rangers in their next game and Hill will be a big loss.
McKay takes chance
Barrie McKay delivered an assured performance against Aberdeen as he was recalled to the starting line-up. The midfielder looked very composed in possession and offered a great attacking threat. He managed to assist Lee Hodson for Rangers’ second goal, with a perfectly executed pass through a defender’s legs. The 21-year-old has been restricted to a bit-part role this season and Mark Warburton has often used him as a substitute. Niko Kranjcar’s injury with rules him out for the rest of the season means there is a spot in the midfield up for grabs. McKay can be expected to continue in the starting XI against Hearts and could be a mainstay in the team.
Miller rewarded for team performances
Kenny Miller grabbed himself a much-deserved goal in the victory against Aberdeen. The 36-year-old opened the scoring after getting on the end of a Joe Garner cross and proved that he still has an eye for goal. The attacker has been asked to do a job as a winger for much of the season and has not been chosen to lead the line. He has refused to moan about his position change and given 100 per cent in every game. Miller has now scored four goals this season and remind his manager Warburton that he is a clinical finisher. He will continue to do a job for Rangers in any position and is one of the most reliable players in the team.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton claims this senior figure is close to leaving the club.