Ryan Kent: Rangers' 'little spark' in 4-3 win over Royal Antwerp in Europa League last 32

Alan Hutton and Ally McCoist praised Ryan Kent’s spectacular substitute appearance for Rangers against Royal Antwerp and waxed lyrical about the winger’s equalising goal.
Rangers' Ryan Kent, ceebrates with teammates after scoring his sides third goal during the Europa League round of 32 first leg soccer match between Antwerp and Rangers at the Bosuil stadium in Antwerp, Belgium, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)Rangers' Ryan Kent, ceebrates with teammates after scoring his sides third goal during the Europa League round of 32 first leg soccer match between Antwerp and Rangers at the Bosuil stadium in Antwerp, Belgium, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Rangers' Ryan Kent, ceebrates with teammates after scoring his sides third goal during the Europa League round of 32 first leg soccer match between Antwerp and Rangers at the Bosuil stadium in Antwerp, Belgium, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Kent was left out of the starting line up with Steven Gerrard protecting ‘a little issue’ but the winger showed no ill effects of the ailment Gerrard was reluctant to risk uneccessarily with an emphatic second half performance.

Ally McCoist said he was “not surprised” to see the former Liverpool youth on the bench and branded recent performances “disappointing” from a “not quite firing” Kent.

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But the 24-year-old addressed his form with a blistering second half and excellent goal which levelled the scores 3-3 after replacing the injured Kemar Roofe.

Speaking on BT Sport Hutton said: “I didn't see him carrying a little knock in that performance.

“That's what they were missing in the first half – his penetration and the runs he makes and his quick feet. They were looking for a little spark in the second half and he definitely came on and provided that.

"Look at the goal - a quick one-two interchange and then another touch out of his feet and he puts it in the side netting."

McCoist branded the finish superb and added: “He can be frustrating but I think he is probably the only player in the Rangers team who can score that type of goal.

"He will run at you and commit you and sometimes he will take an extra touch but other times has are so quick he can provide the little opening and half yard. His finish is superb.”

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