Rangers defender's coaching quality that simplifies the game and is key to team's consistency praised by pundits

Connor Goldson completed 150 games for Rangers earlier this week and became the quickest player to achieve the milestone in the club’s history.

A constant selection for Steven Gerarrd, the 28-year-old has not missed a minute of this season so far and his consistency has been key for Rangers success, former Scotland boss Shelly Kerr believes.

But as well standing up to the physical demands in each game this season, Goldson’s leadership and game intelligence was praised by the ladies international coach in making the game look easy.

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She said: “He understands everyone's game including the midfielders. His game intelligence is phenomenal and he has been a massive part of the success this season.

Connor Goldson (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)Connor Goldson (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Connor Goldson (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

"He talks to everyone and makes the game easier for himself as a centre-back because he coaches players in front of him.

"Livingston had a tactic on Wednesday night to go long – they were very direct. They had a speed merchant upfront in Gavin Reilly but between them Goldson and [Filip] Helander dealt with it so easily for them - they were able to win the ball back and not just clear it but build play on that.”

Rangers have only shipped two goals at home in the league this season and the Englishman’s role in that statistic was not lost on the Rangers TV pundit, joined in the studio by former Ibrox midfielder Alex Rae.

Kerr added: “He has great leadership qualities but the most important thing as a defensive unit is consistency.

"They have got an amazing goalkeeper behind them and on his left side he has Helander who does the fundamentals – they are not the same players because Connor Goldson has the eye for a pass and he can play through the midfield straight to the strikers. He has added that to his game plus you have the two full backs who bomb forward - he understands everyone’s game and is talking to them constantly.”

Goldson captained Rangers against St Mirren in the absence of the injured James Tavernier. The defender joined Rangers from Brighton in 2018 and was Steven Gerrard’s sixth signing as manager.

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