Rangers are through to the last eight of the Premier Sports Cup after a comfortable 2-0 win over St Johnstone.
Played at Hampden Park due to renovation works at Ibrox, the stands were not at capacity for this one, coming off the back of Champions League third round qualification defeat against Dynamo Kyiv. A job was still needing to be completed though with cup progression in a tournament they won last season required.
Danilo and Mohamed Diomande were amongst those denied in the first half and then Adama Sidibeh's strike hit the post in a warning for Rangers. First 45 proceedings then ended on a sour note with new centre-back Robin Propper taken off injured.
Cyriel Dessers came off the bench to score the opener, following a VAR intervention with the goal initially ruled out. The home side took control from that point and Ross McCausland finished scoring late on, after Dessers sliced a clearance into Sidibeh's path which almost gifted St Johnstone a leveller.
Philippe Clement’s side join Aberdeen, Dundee, Falkirk and Spartans in the next round ahead of Sunday’s ties, including Celtic vs Hibs, Motherwell vs Kilmarnock and Dundee United vs St Mirren. Here’s how we rated the Rangers players.
9. Vaclav Cerny - 6/10
A few nice touches and tired as the game went on. Replaced late on by McCausland. | Getty Images
10. Danilo - 5/10
Important minutes for him but not a lot of impact in terms of end product, but looked lively enough. Subbed at half-time. Photo: Andrew Milligan
11. Rabbi Matondo - 7/10
Had a fair bit of speculation around him but worked really well here with Jefte. Used his pace effectively. | SNS Group
12. Ben Davies - 5/10
Could be primed for a starting role in weeks ahead after Propper's injury. Not troubled here. | SNS Group