8 things we learned against Hamilton

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8 things we learned against Hamilton

Last night, against a backdrop of pressure on both the squad and the manager, Rangers managed an ultimately comfortably victory over Martin Canning’s Hamilton Accies, a victory, lest it be forgotten, that was at a tricky away venue on artificial turf and which was achieved in the face of conceding an early goal.

Ibrox Noise takes our readers through the main lessons we believe we can take from the night at the SuperSeal:

1: This Rangers squad has a bit of fire in its belly, but only now and then. There have been a few times this season where Rangers’ backs have been against the wall; and unfortunately in matches like Celtic, Hibs and Hearts, there has been a lack of will to fight for the shirt. That will was finally in abundance last night – Pedro’s men could have fallen to pieces, but instead they grafted hard, and earned four goals. It was one of the few times this season Rangers have rolled their sleeves up – Motherwell was another occasion. Was the football great? It was alright, but it was the manner of the comeback that was admirable.

2: The only time Pedro seemed happy was when Daniel Candeias scored. Observed by a number of fans last night, he was unmoved by Declan John’s double and Graham Dorrans’ penalty, but when Candeias scored, the Portuguese grinned and applauded. Some fans have wondered if this relates to a perceived dressing room divide between homegrown and overseas and/or favouritism on his part towards his Hispanic recruits.

3: Ross McCrorie still has a lot to learn. The lad was excellent in his first two outings, but last night got caught quite a few times and looked far less convincing than he has. He even conceded an idiotic penalty to add to it all. He seems a promising prospect but there are clearly still kinks in his game – he will develop.

4: Graham Dorrans is still being played too deep – at times he was closer to the defence than Jack was – but the few times he got advanced he looked infinitely more productive. His lofted through ball for Candeias’ strike was outstanding (when even the BBC call it ‘delightful’ you know it is rather good), every inch as good as anything Kranjcar has ever done, and that is where the lad does his damage. Keep him more advanced Pedro, it might help save your job mate.

5: Rangers did not miss Miller. In fairness that is the third match in a row he has been essentially absent from – he got a cameo against Celtic, but otherwise he has been AWOL of late in any case, and his absence had no bearing on Rangers’ display. Truth is his form has been poor this season, and he needed dropping. Whatever you believe about what is going on behind the scenes, when it comes to form, Miller is not in it.

6: Carlos Pena is a disaster. We are nearly into October, and while the guy does have a bit of vision about him at times, that seems to be it. Unfit, lazy, immobile, and seemingly totally unsuited to the Scottish game, the Mexican just does not fit in – he has scored one bizarrely fine goal since arriving, but that really is about all he has done.

7: Lee Wallace will be looking over his shoulder with regards Declan John. The on-loan Cardiff man seems, on form, right now, the better all-round choice. Two goals and a lot of useful running, the left back also seems to defend a bit more frequently than the club captain, and while we do not want to smear Wallace, you would have to say John is there not only on necessity, but merit right now.

8: Jason Holt is to be admired, respected, and praised – since being unceremoniously ditched some months ago, he got his head down, turned out for the youths willingly, kept his fitness and attitude up, and is being slowly reintegrated into the senior side but with more hunger and desire to produce at this level. And his cameos have been quite honestly great – loads of running, harrying, energy – everything we know he can do but with more gumption. He even won a penalty last night. We would not object to his selection against St Johnstone.

Any more, usual place folks.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Always thought Holt can do a job for us. If Rossiter is not fit, I'd have him in like a shot for suspended Jack.
    His engine is terrific and he NEVER gives up. cf. peno last night.

  2. What about Windass , I can't see this lad improving either but he still gets a game before Holt , Haliday , O'Halloran , I know the latter two are on loan What if we drop him and put Barjonas out there . Thought anyone ?

    • I agree that Windass is in and out of a game, more out than in and he doesn't work hard enough for me. Holt is a better option, even playing him wide left and I also agree, but maybe not playing full games but definitely as part of the first team squad is to bring Barjonas into the first team squad and give him game time.

  3. Windass, Pena and Jack were absolute passengers last night. Holt should be in played in front of the 3 of them!
    McCrorie is beginning to show the job is too big for him at this moment in time. He was very poor and we have to make a decision if we can afford to develop him in the first team and lose points or replace him. I like the McRorie, but he was very scary at the back and we just cant afford that kind of liability in defence. Our defence is rotten as it is!
    Not missing Miller at all, I see his mate Boyd is defending him in the new columns. Wonder where Boyd is getting his information from?,hmm?!
    To be fair, I wouldn't read much into the goal celebrations. Pedro had no option to get out of his seat as Candaias ran straight toward him, Pedro still didn't come out of the dug out. I'm hoping Pedro now realises how big his job really is. It's obvious he is feeling the pressure of being a Rangers manager. His behaviour seemed so childish last night, it looked as if he was in a wee huff with the world. Welcome to the real world Pedro!

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