Sunday’s victory over Partick provided more drama than satisfaction but despite an unconvincing performance overall, there were positives to take from it.
Michael Beale stated that he possibly made too many changes for the Scottish Cup clash and was therefore responsible for what transpired although that is only half of the story.
Rangers starting line-up should have had more than enough to control the first half but that did not materialise. That is on them. It took a couple of changes and a stern talking to, in the dressing room to evoke the desired response and thankfully the display after the break was much better.
Beale decided to bring in James Sands to the back line, with Nico Raskin handed a debut in midfield. In attack, Todd Cantwell lined up alongside Ianis Hagi and Malik Tillman ahead of the returning Antonio Colak.
The standout performers were Tillman and Raskin, whilst Kent and Roofe can be happy with their impact from the start of the second half.
Cantwell didn’t show up well, neither did Hagi but it’s early days for them, for different reasons whilst very few will have earned credit after the first 45 minutes.
Beale reflected on his team selection for the Scottish Cup fifth round clash:
“I think today (Sunday) might be on me a little bit. I’m willing to take today on my head because it was me who played the team that started. Maybe I was a little bit too optimistic in the team that I put out. I trust them, there’s a lot of internationals in the team that started today but I think since I’ve came in the consistency is what’s helped us get results.”
“The consistency in seven or eight of the selection being playing most of the time. I think if you look at most teams at the top of their leagues and most teams that are doing well there’s a consistent core in team. Maybe I need to look at myself today as well. You give opportunities and you’re hoping as a group of players they come together and perform. We didn’t perform first half.”
Seven changes were made from the win over Ross County and of the team that lined up against Thistle, it is fair to say that five spots are up for grabs for the League Cup final next week. Sunday should have been a case of building momentum ahead of Livingston and then Hampden after that but the fact that it wasn’t provides more food for thought for the manager.
The work continues.