Man By Man

Mar 30 2008 By Gordon Waddell

Rangers

ALLAN McGREGOR 7

HAD 25 shut-outs for the season - and never looked like not adding another to that total yesterday. Good handling, superb organisation, stayed big when he had to and truly earned his crust with a breathtaking fingertip stop from Hinkel's stinging drive in the second half.

KIRK BROADFOOT 5

GOT the first test of his pace and mobility in just five minutes - and was skinned. Grafted but didn't once lay the leather on dangerman McGeady and failed to stop crosses being delivered in the first half. Gutsy fightback after the break, trying to push on and support the midfield, though.

CARLOS CUELLAR 8

ANOTHER impeccable shift from the Player of the Year contender. Celtic went with size up top yet he was never in trouble against either striker. The Spaniard was rock solid in the air and on the deck. Made the Old Firm mayhem look like a stroll at times. An inspiration.

DAVIE WEIR 7

MR Reliable. The veteran defender gamely managed the more mobile Samaras and Vennegoor of Hesselink although would have been grateful for Dailly's cover at times when he was sucked away from the centre. The 37-year-old never really looked troubled though, especially in the air.

STEVEN WHITTAKER 6

SURPRISE pick at left back but the former Hibs man was defensively solid. Did enough to disrupt his man when Brown looked set for a first-half opener. Also made some decent runs in the space left by Nakamura drifting in but was never picked out.

STEVEN DAVIS 5

FIRST Old Firm game seemed to swamp the Ulsterman. His first two corners hit the first man, his first few passes went astray - never really contributed the way we've seen in Europe but dug in hard to help. Subbed with 10 minutes left for Stevie Naismith.

CHRISTIAN DAILLY 7

SPENT more time protecting the centre-halves than helping the midfield early on but did both jobs admirably. Won his headers and challenges although picked up a yellow for tackle on McGeady. Did exactly what gaffer Smith asked of him and can be pleased with display.

BARRY FERGUSON 6

NOT his usual influential, play-making self despite Gers having an extra man in the middle of the park. Struggled to get up and support lone striker Darcheville and it was never the kind of game for him to get his foot on the ball the way he likes. But dug deep as always for team's cause.

KEVIN THOMSON 8

OUTSTANDING, controlled performance but stupidly booked for dissent early on. Still disciplined himself well after and what a time to score his first goal for Gers. Crocked and replaced by Adam after clash with Samaras and jury is still out on where blame for injury lies. Impressive.

LEE McCULLOCH 7

THE target for every Rangers set piece - and came close to the opener with a good effort in the seventh minute. Always a willing runner for the outball but was well matched by Hinkel in a physical tussle down that flank - with the pair cancelling each other out.

JEAN CLAUDE DARCHEVILLE 6

A LONELY shift up front on his own for the Rocket but stuck to his task gamely. Didn't hold up the ball well enough at times for his midfield though - until the 44th minute, when he came up trumps with a great touch for Thomson's winner. Replaced by Novo in 68 minutes.

SUBS:STEVEN NAISMITH (3): On for Davis in last 10 minutes and copped a booking. CHARLIE ADAM (3): Replaced scorer Thomson in 77 minutes and tested Boruc with a good shot. NACHO NOVO (4): Full of running for the last 20 minutes in place of Darcheville.