How the Rangers players rated

Richard Foster

Turning into a European specialist, although looked to have blotted his copybook when beaten by Yannick Djalo for Sporting's second. Flick set Davis on his way ahead of Rangers' opening goal and then put in Healy for Edu's decisive goal at the end. 7

Madjid Bougherra

Clumsy in possession at first and often reckless when running with the ball. Worrying habit of diving into challenges but steadied himself towards end. 6

David Weir

You won't see him substituted too often but it ended up being for the greater good. Commitment again cannot be questioned. Rose from sickbed to take place in side but missed header for Sporting's equaliser. 5

Kyle Bartley

Involved in a couple of penalty shouts against him, but survived both and rightly so. Slow to react when Weir missed header for Mendes goal but difficult to criticise a teenager playing his second huge game for a new club inside five days. 6

Sasa Papac

Lost Pereira in second half and almost cost Rangers a goal. Distribution not what it could have been and caught in possession for Sporting's second. But reprieved in end. 6

Steven Whittaker

Loves playing in Lisbon but began in inauspicious manner last night when giving the ball away away to Yannick Djalo in opening minutes. Recovered to give his usual full-hearted performance having been shifted back into midfield. 6

Steven Davis

Wonderful ball for Diouf to score opener and looked more lively than in recent weeks. Might have done better with headed chance just after hour mark. 7

Maurice Edu

Booked in second half for studs-up foul on Abel and then perhaps fortune to escape referee's attention for a couple of later challenges. But didn't shirk any responsibility and was there when it mattered. 7

John Fleck

A surprise inclusion, he worked away tirelessly but looked short on match fitness and confidence. Distribution was patchy and replaced by Weiss in second half. 6

El-Hadji Diouf

Did all that was hoped and scored a priceless opener after intelligent run into box. Managed to make sure Davis' cross counted for something by stretching every sinew to direct a header into the net. Had his usual moments of madness too. 7

SUBSTITUTES

Kyle Lafferty

Might have been the hero himself but just failed to connect with Weiss cross.

Vladimir Weiss

Great ball hit with outside of foot for Lafferty at end, but team-mate could not connect.

David Healy

Explosive impact with crucial cross for Edu in final minute.