Rangers secured an admirable goalless draw against Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tonight.
Here is how their players rated.
Liam Kelly - 9/10
Barry Ferguson starting back-up goalkeeper Kelly ahead of usual number one Jack Butland was perhaps one of the biggest calls of his brief managerial career to date. One can't say the decision didn't prove dividends, however, with Kelly remaining reliable between the sticks. The Scotland international was initially called into action at the end of the opening 45, making a fine acrobatic stop to deny Athletic from range before holding onto a powerful Oihan Sancet from the resultant corner. His real coin was earned in the second half, however, terrifically saving Alex Berenguer's penalty and eventually keeping a clean sheet.
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James Tavernier - 7/10
The Rangers captain turned out as a more traditional right full-back after initially starting out as a wing-back. Although Tavernier might not have provided as much of an attacking threat as he would have liked, the 33-year-old defended amicably when asked.
Dujon Sterling - 7/10
Englishman eventually formed a central defensive partnership with Leon Balogun following Propper's sending-off. More often than not a useful utility player for Rangers, Sterling had to prove his worth as a starter on Thursday evening. Confusion aired around Ibrox when Berenguer put the ball in the net for the visitors, although in communication with VAR, referee Istvan Kovacs
Robin Propper - 4/10
The central defender's night was abruptly ended on 13 minutes after he slid in on Inaki Williams just outside his own box. Kovacs initially gave a free-kick, but was soon sent to the monitor. Palpable tension then descended upon Ibrox as the Romanian emerged back onto the pitch to give Propper his marching orders for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Leon Balogun - 8/10
Watching him play, you wouldn't assume Balogun isn't far off hitting 40. Balogun read the game as one would expect of a player with his experience, though, and likely breathed a considerable sigh of relief when whistler Kovacs booked Maroan Sannadi for simulation after a coming together in the Rangers box.
Ridvan Yilmaz - 7/10
Left-back coped well in the opening stages against the ever-imposing threat of the Williams brothers, who continually interchanged between both flanks. Yilmaz stood up admirably defensively and utilised his engine when asked to maraud forward and provide an attacking threat. Jefte replaced the Turk with just over 20 minutes to go as Ferguson looked for some fresh legs going into the closing stages.
Bailey Rice - 8/10
Teenager made only his third senior Rangers start, coming into the team as one of six changes from Saturday's loss to Hibernian. Ferguson put utmost trust on the shoulders of young Rice, and it was ultimately repaid. The midfielder put in a combative performance that his boss would likely have been proud of. He was unfortunately stretchered off just after the hour mark for Connor Barron in a concussion sub.
Nicolas Raskin - 7/10
Battling midfield displays have characterised Raskin, particularly in recent big games. That once more proved the case against the Spaniards as the Belgian, alongside Rice and Ianis Hagi, put in a tireless effort in the middle of the park. When he had the opportunity to do so, Raskin also looked to relieve pressure on his backline and set free the likes of Dessers and Cerny.
Ianis Hagi - 8/10
Although Hagi may predominantly be viewed as a more attack-minded midfielder, he more than contributed defensively in the match, constantly offering his services to track back and effectively break up the play. The Romanian wasn't afraid to encourage the Ibrox crowd after stemming an Athletic attack towards the end of the first half as Rangers looked to go in level at the break.
Vaclav Cerny - 7/10
The Czech winger played just off Cyriel Dessers in attack for Rangers, looking to support the imposing frontman in his endeavours. Cerny was, as expected, the more mobile of the front two, slaloming his way past defenders and threatening with a few attempts on goal.
Cyriel Dessers - 6/10
The much-maligned striker had a tireless task up top. Dessers proved a nuisance to Athletic's backline, feeding off scraps and long balls, but should have had the ball in the net just prior to the break as he wriggled free of his marker after a free-kick was swung into the box from wide. Admittedly failed to make the ball stick at times and came off for Hamza Igamane with five to play.
Substitutes
Connor Barron (for Rice 67) - Provided energy in the middle of the park after coming on for the injured Rice.
Jefte (for Yilmaz 67) - Similarly to fellow substitute Barron, the Brazilian brought fresh legs and equally carried out his defensive duties to an acceptable standard.
Hamza Igamane (for Dessers 84) - Striker didn't have many opportunities of note after coming on for Dessers in the dying embers.
Nedim Bajrami (for Hagi 90) - Didn't have much of an opportunity to make an impact on proceedings given his introduction came in stoppage time.
Ross McCausland (for Cerny 90) - McCausland's case is a carbon copy of Bajrami's.
