Rangers player ratings: Steven Davis header send Gers into League Cup semi-finals after laboured Dundee win

Steven Davis’ 10th minute header proved enough to secure Rangers spot in the League Cup semi-finals after they laboured past Championship side Dundee at Ibrox.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side were booed off the pitch by their own fans at the full-time whistle after another underwhelming display as they set up a last-four Hampden showdown with Aberdeen on the weekend of January 14/15.

The hosts were unable to add to their slender lead despite carving out plenty of goal scoring opportunities and their failure to kill off the tie much earlier allowed the subborn Tayside club to grow in confidence.

The only goal of the contest came in the opening stages when Scott Wright’s effort was expertly saved by visiting keeper Adam Legzdins, only for Northern Ireland international Davis to pounce on the rebound.

Wright then curled a shot inches over the crossbar before striker Alfredo Morelos had an effort well blocked by the Dundee stopper after being sent clean through on goal.

Rangers intensity dropped in the second half but their opponent rarely looked like threatening Jon McLaughlin’s goal. Ridvan Yilmaz created two promising openings and the Turkish full-back saw one of his attempts tipped on to the post by Legzdins as the Light Blues limped over the line to seal a return to the national stadium.

Here are GlasgowWorld’s player ratings...

JON McLAUGHLIN - 6 - Took over the gloves and enjoyed a largely quiet evening. Quick off his line to thwart Zak Rudden who looked to be racing through on goal.

JAMES TAVERNIER - 6 - The skipper tried his best to break forward at every opportunity and used his experience to guide a relatively inexperience backine through the game.

JAMES SANDS -6 - Back in the side at centre half after a recent spell on the bench and had a comfortable night. Stepped out with the ball confidently on a few occasions and will hope he’s done enough to retain his place.

LEON KING - 7 - The teenager continues to gain valuable first-team experience and was rarely troubled throughout the contest. Blocked Joe Grayson’s goalbound effort and smartly across to deny Max Anderson late on.

RIDVAN YILMAZ - 7 - Handed a rare start and came close to finding the net after his deflected cross forced Legzdins to react smartly. Promising.

JOHN LUNDSTRAM - 5 - Always willing to receive the ball but gave it away too often and looks in need of a rest.

STEVEN DAVIS - 8 - The veteran midfielder scored the match-winner after 10 minutes after displaying predatory instincts to follow up Legzdins save from Wright’s shot to nod home. Used the ball well. A calming infuence on the pitch.

MALIK TILLMAN - 7 - Looks much happier in the No.10 and produced another decent display. A couple of intricate passes and technically very good. Subbed

FASHION SAKALA - 5 - Struggle to make much of an impact and could easily have been sent off for a kick out at Cammy Kerr, which VAR would surely have looked at. Has to deliver more when presented with a chance to impress.

SCOTT WRIGHT - 8- Denied by an excellent Legzdins save before Davis pounced on the follow up effort. Almost steered the ball into the top corner shortly after. His direct running and pace cause the visitors problems. Always looked dangerous.

ALFREDO MORELOS - 5 - The Colombian was tasked with leading the line and he passed up a big opportunity just after the hour mark, firing straight at the keeper. Not the night he would have hoped for. Hooked after 73 mins.

Substitutes:

KEMAR ROOFE - 4 - Gained his first minutes since the Europa League final in May. Received a warm reception from the fans and will look to build on his bright 20 minute cameo.

SCOTT ARFIELD - 2 - Replaced Tillman after 73 mins and helped to see the game out late on.

CHARLIE McCANN - 3 - Brought on for goal scorer Davis in the closing stages and is another youngster to have earned his first-team chance. Great chance after a cross from Roofe but blasted over the top.

Robby McCrorie (GK), Antonio Colak, Ryan Kent, Ben Davies, Borna Barisic, Adam Devine