Rangers secure friendly victory over Saint-Étienne at Ibrox
McInnes names team for friendly fixture
Derek McInnes named his Rangers team for the friendly match against AS Saint-Étienne at Ibrox. Several new signings were included in the starting lineup for the first pre-season friendly at the stadium. Among those starting were Ivor Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Dan Neil, and Lawrence Shankland.
The team lined up with Pandur in goal, supported by a back four consisting of McCrorie, Godfrey, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Tuur Rommens. In midfield, Neil partnered with Tochi Chukwuani, while Mohamed Diomande and Findlay Curtis were positioned on the wings. The attacking duo featured last season’s top scorer, Youssef Chermiti, alongside Shankland.
The bench included Cammy Devlin, making his first appearance in a Rangers squad, along with Liam Kelly, Rydnn McGuire, Thelo Aasgaard, Nedim Bajrami, Lyall Cameron, Oliver Antman, Clinton Nsiala, Ryan Naderi, Dujon Sterling, Djeidi Gassama, Bojan Miovski, Zander Hutton, Ross McCausland, and Paul Nsio. The match kicked off at 7:45 pm.
Match action and key moments
Rangers secured a 2-1 friendly victory over Saint-Étienne, with penalties from Lawrence Shankland and Thelo Aasgaard. The match marked manager Derek McInnes’ home debut. Shankland converted an early spot-kick after Mohamed Diomande was fouled in the box. Ivor Pandur, making his starting debut, made a notable save to deny Jakob Breum.
Youssef Chermiti hit the crossbar before the Ligue 2 side, managed by Ian Cathro, equalised through Breum. Rangers began the match in a 4-4-2 formation, with Diomande playing on the right and Findlay Curtis on the left. Cammy Devlin made his debut as a half-time substitute for the Scotland winger.
Aasgaard was introduced around the hour mark and scored the hosts’ second penalty in the 82nd minute after Bojan Miovski was brought down by goalkeeper Gautier Laesonneur. Ben Godfrey, who captained the team, was noted for his composed performance at the back. Cammy Devlin was named man-of-the-match for his energetic display in the second half.
The match provided the first public appearance for Rangers after several games played behind closed doors. Shankland’s penalty marked his first goal for his boyhood club. Pandur, who joined from Hull City, received applause for a smart save, though he later had a moment where the ball nearly dribbled over his foot. Saint-Étienne’s equalizer came late in the first half after Tuur Rommens and Findlay Curtis failed to deal with a bouncing ball, allowing Thierno Ballo to set up Breum.
Upcoming fixtures for Rangers
Rangers are scheduled to host West Ham on Sunday in another friendly fixture. This will be McInnes’ final opportunity to assess his team in a non-competitive setting before the start of the league season. Following the friendly against West Ham, Rangers will begin their Scottish Premiership campaign away to Dundee United a week on Friday.
McInnes will not be in the dugout for the match at Tannadice, as he has been handed a four-match ban, with one suspended, for comments made towards the end of last season regarding a Celtic penalty award. Rangers have stated their intention to appeal this decision. The match against Saint-Étienne was Rangers’ first home outing since mid-May.
The club has seen significant changes, including the departure of former manager Danny Rohl and ex-captain James Tavernier. The arrival of McInnes and a series of transfer activities, including the imminent arrival of midfielder Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan Belgrade, are part of an extensive rebuild following the previous season.
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Source: rangers.co.uk
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
