'Shades of Ferguson' as Neil runs show for Rangers

WHAT HAPPENED
Rangers beat Celtic 3-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup (Scottish League Cup), with Dan Neil scoring twice in the win. The 24-year-old opened the scoring on 23 minutes with a low finish from the edge of the box and added a second with an emphatic late strike.

Former Rangers player Peter Lovenkrands praised Neil’s influence on BBC Radio Scotland, saying he dominated the midfield and rarely gave the ball away. Manager Derek McInnes and Neil both highlighted the team’s preparation and togetherness after the derby victory.

KEY CONTEXT
- Neil joined Rangers on a three-year contract in July and was immediately included in the club’s leadership group. He wore the captain’s armband in Lawrence Shankland’s absence for his first Old Firm match.
- In the middle of the park he partnered Nicolas Raskin, with James Penrice inverting from left-back, a trio McInnes singled out as key to gaining control of the game.
- Peter Lovenkrands compared Neil’s control of midfield to the way Barry Ferguson used to boss games for Rangers.

WHY IT MATTERS
Neil’s performance provided a clear example of Rangers taking ascendancy in a major domestic derby, both in midfield control and goal threat. His form underlines McInnes’s recent decisions to entrust him with leadership responsibilities and shows how tactical roles (Raskin and Penrice’s positions) combined to create space for attacks. Eliminating Celtic from the cup also keeps Rangers on course in a domestic knockout competition.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- The sides meet again next Sunday in the Scottish Premiership.
- Before that, Celtic host Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday, with Rangers due to travel to Celtic Park after that fixture.
- McInnes has said he will continue to emphasise the squad’s togetherness and reinforce the club’s standards ahead of those upcoming matches.

KEY FACTS
- Rangers 3-0 Celtic in Premier Sports Cup; Rangers advanced to the semi-finals.
- Dan Neil, 24, scored twice (first goal on 23 minutes).
- Neil signed a three-year deal in July and is part of Rangers’ leadership group; he captained the side in Shankland’s absence.
- Neil partnered Nicolas Raskin in midfield; James Penrice played inverted from left-back.
- Peter Lovenkrands compared Neil’s midfield control to Barry Ferguson.