Jack Butland stinks, James Tavernier shines – Rangers player ratings v Hibernian
Barry Ferguson will be extremely disappointed with his side’s performance as Rangers fell to a 2-0 defeat against Hibernian.
Jack Butland had the spotlight on him at Rangers once again, unable to deny Dylan Levitt’s long-range effort just eight minutes into the game, and the Gers showed limited signs of a fightback on Saturday 5 April.
With the Light Blues pressing for the equaliser, Martin Boyle broke in behind the offside trap, with Dujon Sterling playing him onside, before slotting under the on-rushing Butland to double the visitors’ lead at Ibrox.
The Gers’ next match is against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League, and with their momentum completely crushed by the home defeat, Ferguson will be feeling the pressure from the supporters.
Jack Butland suffers another blunder in Rangers defeat
Jack Butland – 2
Despite making a couple of important saves, it was impossible for the goalkeeper to come back from his early mistake, which put his team on the back foot after just eight minutes.
James Tavernier – 7 – Man of the Match
A brilliant display from the right-back, only let down by those around him who could not benefit from his balls into the box. His caution was mightily unlucky after being accused of tripping Boyle.
Dujon Sterling – 4
A pretty disappointing display from both centre-backs, who could not deal with Hibernian’s attackers in front of their own home fans. Never looks comfortable out of position.
John Souttar – 5
Very accurate with his passes and challenges, but with Hibernian taking advantage of momentary lapses of focus, it was impossible to give him any higher. Will be greatly missed when suspended against Athletic Bilbao.
Barry Ferguson’s side utterly toothless in front of Ibrox faithful
Jefte – 4
Below his usual best, creating limited chances in the final third and not really helping out defensively at key moments. Will need to improve massively for the Europa League.
Connor Barron – 5
An indifferent display from the former Aberdeen midfielder. Has done reasonably well in recent weeks but followed in the footsteps of his teammates, who all struggled at Ibrox.
Nico Raskin – 4
Raskin has absolutely deserved links with a Rangers exit, with the Premier League a possible destination, but it was a bad day at the office for the Belgian. Missed too many tackles and saw the game pass him by.
Mohamed Diomande (Off for Danilo 75′) – 6
Showed a couple of positive signs in the final third, getting stuck into challenges and helping to pull his team further up the pitch, but he just couldn’t do enough to make the needed impact.
Vaclav Cerny’s legs being saved for Athletic Bilbao
Vaclav Cerny (Off for Nedim Bajrami 59′) – 3
Looked like a shadow of his former self, and with Athletic Bilbao coming up in the Europa League, it was a smart decision to replace him on the hour mark with nothing left to fight for in the league.
Cyriel Dessers (Off for Findlay Curtis 87′) – 3
Wasted most of the chances he had, missing the target with the majority of his efforts, and kept finding himself offside thanks to Hibernian’s offside trap. Not good enough.
Hamza Igamane (Off for Ianis Hagi 87′) – 4
Never seems to make the same impact on the wing as he does through the middle, but with Ferguson clearly preferring Dessers at striker, the youngster is likely to continue being frustrated.
Substitutes
Nedim Bajrami (On for Cerny 59′) – 4
Offered more than Cerny, much to Ferguson’s relief, but the Albanian continues to disappoint.
Danilo (On for Diomande 75′) – 5
Had a single sight of goal during his 15 minutes on the pitch. Little to offer with limited service.
Findlay Curtis (On for Dessers 87′) – N/A
Ianis Hagi (On for Igamane 87′) – N/A