Rangers vs Dundee player ratings as Cifuentes red creates cup final headache

Rangers entered what is arguably their most important of the season to-date by recording a third straight league win in a 3-1 victory at home to Dundee.

Despite a quick start, it was the Tayside side that took the lead after five minutes after some sloppy defending from a corner from Philippe Clement's side.

But the Ibrox side's response was empathic as they would soon get themselves ahead in the opening period through goals from Cyriel Dessers, a James Tavernier penalty and man of the moment Abdallah Sima.

It looked as though it could have been a high scoring afternoon for Rangers, before the last action before half time where Jose Cifuentes was sent off with the last action of the half following a VAR check deemed his tackle just outside the Dundee half to be high and dangerous.

From there, Rangers simply look to maintain what they had, and bar a few moments, they held onto their lead quite comfortably and could have even extended it at points.

But now, Clement faces a major headache as Cifuentes' red card likely rules him out of next week's League Cup final, and with injuries mounting up in the middle of the park, it is now open for debate how the Belgian will adapt his side with only John Lundstram looking fit in the centre of midfield.

For the here and now though, it ended up being a good three points for his side, and here are the player ratings for Rangers vs Dundee.

Jack Butland - 6

Fine save to deny Dundee scoring just before they actually did, and had very little to do otherwise although he did have some iffy moments with the ball at his feet second half.

James Tavernier - 7

Converted his penalty well as par normal and worked hard up and down second half bar one moment where he nearly assisted a Dundee goal.

John Souttar - 6

Sloppy too much in the first half but was more solid in the second and made a fine clearance to prevent a Dundee second.

Leon Balogun - 7

Rangers best defender right now with another solid display all round.

Borna Barisic - 6

Did little spectacular in defence and attack again. Still feels as though he is encapable to playing in an attacking team.

Jose Cifuentes - 5

Kept the ball ticking well in the first half until red card took him out the game and cup final. Will feel unlucky but challenges like that get red cards these days.

John Lundstram - 6

Was sloppy in the build up to the Dundee goal and should have been stronger defending corner for it. Helped guard the defence well in the second half when a man down though.

Abdallah Sima - 8

What a key player he is now for Rangers. Superb header for 3-1 and caused the full backs so many problems in the first period. Worked tirelessly to help his team in the second.

Todd Cantwell - 7

Made several intelligent runs in the first half as the front four linked up well. Will feel unlucky to not have scored himself after foul in build up. Subbed at half time after red card with Betis and Aberdeen in mind.

Rabbi Matondo - 7

Grew into the game as his pace in behind was really weapon. Subbed at half time as well. Could be big player rest of season.

Cyriel Dessers - 7

Looked more like the player Beale wanted first half and took his goal expertly. Struggled in the second though as he looked isolated but his hold up play was lacking when Rangers needed respite.

Subs

Dujon Sterling - 7: Playing in unfamilar midfield role but was solid and his play on the ball was excellent as well. Contender to play in same position next week.

Ross McCausland - 6: Didn't get chance to create as much but work tirelessly getting the ball up the field.

Kemar Roofe - 5

Leon King - 3