Rangers Defender Makes First Start of the Season in Win Over St Johnstone
Key Highlights :
Rangers defender Connor Davies made his first start of the season on Saturday in a 2-0 win over St Johnstone in Perth. The 28-year-old had been out of action since May due to a hamstring complaint, but he put in a solid performance in the match.
The Light Blues took the lead in the 16th minute when Brazilian striker Danilo headed the ball into the net. Unfortunately, both Danilo and St Johnstone captain Liam Gordon had to be substituted shortly afterwards after they clashed heads, with Davies taken to hospital with a fractured cheekbone.
Rabbi Matondo then added a second goal in the 79th minute to give Rangers the win, and renewed confidence ahead of their Europa League opener against Real Betis at Ibrox on Thursday night. Davies spoke to RangersTV after the match, saying: “It was good to be back, I felt my fitness – lungs wise – was good and I felt quite strong in the game. It was my first 90 minutes since before Aberdeen, so it’s been a long time and I was happy to be out there and involved.”
The win was a welcome boost for Rangers after damaging defeats to Celtic and PSV Eindhoven before the international break. Davies was pleased with the team’s performance, saying: “We controlled the game really well, limited them to not much at all. We scored two good goals and could have scored more. But it’s a step back in the right direction and the start of hopefully a good run.”
St Johnstone are currently bottom of the table with just two points and no wins in five games, but manager Steven MacLean believes there is better to come from his squad. MacLean said: “I always said we will get better as we go on. We have 11 new signings and we are going to improve. There is certainly enough to work with. I was concerned at the start of the season, but the group I have got together now. if we keep working hard and improving we will be fine this season.”
Rangers will be hoping to continue their good run of form when they take on Real Betis on Thursday night, while St Johnstone will be looking to turn their fortunes around when they face Hamilton Academical next weekend.
