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Rangers player ratings as Dan Neil leads sinners in Dundee while surprise 8/10 emerges

The Light Blues showed flashes of their best at Dens Park but lapses in defence proved costly

(Image: SNS Group)

Only a month ago Dan Neil gave Rangers fans a memorable Old Firm day with two goals against Celtic.

But at Dens Park on Friday night, the Ibrox skipper had a game to forget as Derek McInnes’ side shipped two Premiership points.

Neil wasn’t performing at his best when the Dark Blues got in front through Bradley Fink, who pounced on a Dujon Sterling error.

But stunning strikes from Badredine Bouanani and Nico Raskin put Rangers in the driving seat on Tayside.

At that point, they looked certain to cruise to victory with the potential for more goals.

But instead, Neil was slack in his own half from a Raskin pass and mugged by Dee midfielder Callum Jones.

He buried his chance past Ivor Pandur, leaving the Gers captain with his head in his hands, capping off a miserable night for the Englishman.

Rangers tried to rally towards the end but couldn’t find a winner and failed to go top of the Premiership table.

Bouanani impressed on a rare start, while Raskin was excellent even aside from his 25-yard thunderbolt.

But others failed to shine for McInnes’ side, with the likes of Djeidi Gassama and Ryan Naderi struggling to make an impact.

Here are how Record Sport rated Rangers’ players:

Ivor Pandur – 7

Croat helped Rangers keep a high line with an advanced starting position that gave Dundee’s forwards less space to run into. He had to look lively to tip over Astley’s header but was rounded by Fink for the home side’s opener and had no chance with Jones' leveller.

Dujon Sterling – 6

Has been one of Rangers’ strongest defenders this season but made an error for Dundee’s goal. He didn’t see Fink and was short with his pass back after failing to deal with a long ball which allowed the forward to score. Delivery from wide area also has to be better.

Emmanuel Fernandez – 6

Big centre-back was still slack a few times in the first half but fans just have to accept that’s the way he plays. Was more worried about his distribution than actually defending against tricky opponents in Hay and Fink up top for Dundee.

Olwethu Makhanya – 7

Had one early defensive lapse but soon got on his game and had to be sharp when his side faced a bit of pressure. Used his pace to thwart Hay with a brilliant interception just before the break when the striker was going clean through.

James Penrice – 6

Has struck up a really good relationship with Gassama on Gers’ left in recent weeks but they struggled to get in sync with each other at Dens. Also, rarely got high enough to affect the game with his crossing ability. Fired a shot over late on.

Dan Neil – 5

Skipper didn’t have as big an influence as he’s had in recent weeks and passed up a big chance inside the box from a Sterling cut-back when his touch let him down and he skewed it wide. If that was bad, worse was to come for him. Caught sleeping by Jones who robbed him in his own half to make it 2-2 and cap off a poor night for the captain.

Nico Raskin – 8

Played deeper role as Gers’ sitter with Neil ahead of him and had to put out a lot of fires especially in the first half when visitors weren’t at their best. He isn’t renowned for his shooting ability but conjured up a moment of magic to put his side in front. The Belgian got dip and curl on his 25-yard shot that kissed the bar on the way in. Wonder strike.

Badredine Bouanani – 7

Handed big opportunity from the start in place of Kelsy and came up with a moment of brilliance. Constantly wants to cut in from right and get shots or crosses off. When his initial effort was blocked on stroke of half-time he produced stunning finish that nestled in top corner to make it 1-1. Was denied a second by Goodman early in second half.

Minsu Kim – 7

With Kelsy out the team, the South Korean was handed number 10 role just off Naderi but he toiled initially to get into the game and make an impact. Should have done better with chance in lead-up to Bouanani goal but improved after HT. Unlucky with curling shot that flew wide, teed. up Bouanani with deft flick - and his tenacity played a part in Raskin goal.

Rangers players after the final whistle in Dundee

Rangers players after the final whistle in Dundee(Image: Andrew Milligan/the Press Association)

Djeidi Gassama – 6

Rarely linked up with Penrice on left flank and wasn’t posing enough of a threat to Dark Blues’ backline. His best work in first half was when he got back to stop a home attack. Got better in second and saw long-range effort tipped wide. More of a danger but still has to do more in terms of end product.

Ryan Naderi – 6

Started the game really confidently and looked sharp up against Dundee’s centre-backs with his lay-offs and protecting the ball. But the Czech was starved of gilt-edged chances in the box and never looked like finding an equaliser late on.

Kevin Kelsy 2: Thrown on for Kim to join Naderi up top at 2-2 but barely got a touch on the ball and couldn’t find space in front of goal to win it for his side.

Findlay Curtis 3: Replaced Bouanani on right flank as McInnes tried to refresh his attack for late attacking assault on Dundee. Posed a threat but couldn’t quite be a difference maker in the final third.

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