Ryan Naderi’s second-half strike gave unconvincing Rangers a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Czech outfit Jablonec at Ibrox.
Derek McInnes got his first win as Gers manager at the fifth time of asking with a 5-1 thumping of St Mirren on Sunday but there was regression in the goalless first half which brought boos at the interval whistle.
The Govan side pepped up after the break and Naderi opened the scoring from close range in the 50th minute but in the 78th minute substitute Cammy Devlin was sent off – minutes after coming off the bench – for a high tackle on Jriri Slama to leave Rangers to see out the game with 10 men.
Jablonec created little but will fancy turning the tie around in the return leg next week, following a weekend free of domestic football for Rangers to help preparations for a key European tie.
Gers fans, however, would have preferred that to have been in the Europa League, where they were dumped out of the qualifiers by Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok, before dropping down to European football’s third-tier competition for the first time.
Here is how the Rangers players rated out of 10 for their performance.
5. James Penrice
Can be pleased with his night's work. Defended well and drove forward on numerous occasions, seeing one shot saved by Hanus. Built on last weekend's debut. 8 | SNS Group
6. Dan Neil
Captain for the night and Rangers' most creative midfielder. His sumptuous cross set up the opening goal. Did pick up a booking midway through the second half with an ill-timed challenge. 7 | SNS Group
7. Tochi Chukwuani
Diligent enough job in midfield, keeping matters ticking over. Had to do more defensive work as the game wore on. 7 | PA
8. Vanja Dragojevic
Saw a long-range effort go wide and then hit the post with a deflected effort. Tried to pose an attacking threat before being taken off on 69 minutes. 7 | PA