Rangers advanced to the final of the Premier Sports Scottish League Cup thanks to a 2-1 win over Motherwell.

Philippe Clement's side went behind early on after Andy Halliday found the back of the net. An improved second-half performance saw the Ibrox side come from behind thanks to goals from Cyriel Dessers and Nedim Bajrami.

The Rangers Review reports from the national stadium.

A stay of execution or a potential turning point?

The Belgian has not given the impression that he is a man fearing that he is about to lose his job in recent times. Indeed, he has spoken about being at Ibrox for years to come and of his determination to finish the project that he has started. He will not be the one that determines whether or not he is given that chance.

Clement can reference the reduction of the wage bill or the new profile of the squad as often as he likes. Ultimately, performances and results speak for themselves and the support are not buying into the Clement messages right now.

To say that he needed a win here was an understatement. For some, it will only act as a stay of execution. For Clement, it will be seen as a potential turning point as he looks ahead to the trip to Olympiakos and visit of Hearts next week. Another two victories would quieten his critics and buy him some breathing space. For now, there is a shot at the silverware in the dark clouds.

(Image: PA)

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Rangers deserved comeback win

If ever a moment summed up a situation, it was the squandered opportunity from Dessers at the end of the first half. With the goal gaping, the striker somehow missed the target completely. It encapsulated a side so short of cutting edge and quality.

Rangers had the better of the chances. Vaclav Cerny saw his effort spilled by Aston Oxborough inside five minutes. Dessers pulled one wide of target, Jefte blasted over and Connor Barron and Tom Lawrence tried their luck from distance. When Oxborough saved from John Souttar, the boos that followed the whistle were merited.

Just four minutes after the break, the mood changed. Barron burst into the area and knocked the ball into Dessers. This time, the Nigerian made no mistake as he scored from six yards.

Jefte saw a well-struck effort tipped onto the post. The best chance of a second goal fell to Tavernier but he scooped the ball over from six yards.

As extra time loomed large, Bajrami stepped up to win it. Cerny created it from the right and the Albanian, with the aid of a deflection, finished the move on the left. The comeback was completed.

Motherwell make most of defensive lapse

You couldn’t say that the opening goal had been coming. Yet, when it did arrive, it was not the biggest shock, either. Rangers have, after all, been so weak defensively of late that any team has a chance of scoring if they can provide a moment of quality. The cross from Steve Seddon wasn’t stopped at source by James Tavernier or then dealt with by Jefte. As the Brazilian inexplicably turned his back to the play, Halliday capitalised and converted.

Halliday chose not to celebrate against his former club. His teammates certainly did, though. And so did the band in claret and amber at the other end of Hampden. Motherwell were ahead without really having a go at Rangers.

Stuart Kettlewell must surely be wondering if his side were too conservative. Where Rangers there to be beaten? The Steelmen will never know. The goal from Dessers changed the complexion of the match, of course, but Motherwell caused Rangers few problems after the break. The outcome was a fair one in the end.

(Image: PA)

Same style and same substance

Clement was asked about a potential change of formation at his media conference on Friday and insisted that it would ‘only create more doubts’ for his squad. It was no surprise, therefore, to see the Belgian stick with a system that many believe isn’t fit for purpose.

Jefte returned to the starting line-up after being rested at Pittodrie and Cerny was fit enough to replace Ross McCausland. There was no place once again for Robin Propper but two of those who have been under fire from supporters – Lawrence and Dessers – retained their spots. Again, that should have come as no surprise.

When Lawrence was forced off in the first half, Clement made the safe choice and introduced Mohamed Diomande. Some would have preferred Ianis Hagi. Danilo was never going to get the nod to provide another body at the top end of the pitch.

The Brazilian was introduced midway through the second period as he took over from Dessers. At the same time, Dujon Sterling replaced Tavernier. For once, a Clement call could not be grumbled with. The same can be said about the decision to utilise Neraysho Kasanwirjo ahead of Propper when Leon Balogun was removed.

Pressure builds on board

The Union Bears have the Ibrox hierarchy in their sights. After banners against Kilmarnock and St Mirren, the feeling here was loud and clear. Midway through the first half a message which read ‘Park and Co. Time to go’ was unfurled behind the goal and the camera panned to Douglas Park, the former chairman, and his son Graeme, a member of the RIFC plc board, in the stands.

A change in the dugout will only solve some of the issues that plague Rangers right now. Until there are appointments and alternations at executive and board level, hiring and firing managers is ultimately futile.

Those that have made up their minds that Clement must go will not be won over. The coming days and weeks will show how many believe those above him must leave Ibrox as well. Will supporters turn their words into actions?