Rangers player ratings after Sparta Prague loss in Europa League

They suffered another loss this time too though, with Sparta Prague seeing out a 1-0 victory for the Czechs.

It leaves the Scottish champions bottom of Group A.

Here's how Herald & Times Sport rated Steven Gerrard's Gers in the Czech capital this evening.

Allan McGregor 8

Produced an excellent save high to his left in the first ten minutes to deny a certain Sparta goal. Tried his best to scoop the ball before it crossed the line for the goal. On 55-minutes, he stopped brilliantly with his feet from Haraslin.

James Tavernier 6

Looked good going forward as per, but, particularly in the second half, was caught out of position defensively. This allowed Sparta’s attackers in behind on too many occasions. But for good goalkeeping and poor finishing – including a sitter from Pesek, Sparta could’ve won by more.

Leon Balogun 6

Appeared ponderous during the first period, being easily out-paced by the home side’s attackers. Had a good chance at the start of the second, but it was well-saved by Nita as he generally improved.

Calvin Bassey 6

Could and probably should’ve done better to prevent the opening goal after being beaten to a near-post header. Hard to rate him too harshly when not playing in his most comfortable position, slotting in at centre-half.

Borna Barisic 7

Got up and down the left-side well. He sent in a beautiful cross with around 15-minutes left on the clock, but neither Morelos or Sakala were in the right positions to get on the end of his cross.

Glen Kamara 6

Depressingly booed on every touch of the ball by the young Sparta fans, Kamara did very well in the circumstances to focus on his game. He was sent off after 74-minutes after picking up two yellow cards. There looked to be very little in the second booking. Our hearts are certainly with the Finnish star, who was subjected to abuse from the first whistle.

Steven Davis 5

An unusually ineffective night from the Northern Ireland stalwart. His passing was not as on-point and Rangers suffered in part due to his off-night. Perhaps that’s because standards are consistently so high. Much like a few others, his effort couldn’t be questioned.

Juninho Bacuna 4

Not what he had in mind for his first Gers start. The ex-Huddersfield midfielder lasted just over half-an-hour as Gerrard was forced to make a first-half substitute due to injury. It appeared he was holding his hamstring when the cameras caught him explaining his issue to the medical team.

Joe Aribo 6

Started really bright. Was causing their left-back various issues and was finding his fellow front-men with dangerous balls. Fell out of the game as it wore on and was eventually subbed.

Kemar Roofe 6

A relatively quiet game for the 28-year-old in Prague. His effort certainly couldn’t be faulted, but as he’ll know sometimes that’s not quiet enough to shine on the European front. He has enjoyed a good start to the season, but it just wasn’t his night.

Fashion Sakala 7

Much like Aribo, the striker was a livewire in the opening stages. Did very well to run in-behind with his sheer pace and that will clearly be a threat with him in the team. Had the ball in the net early in the second half after a Balogun chance, but he was offside. Alfredo Morelos has some competition. Booked after a heavy touch.

Subs

Ianis Hagi (for Bacuna 37) 5

Looked as tricky as always. Will have been disappointed to have been left out of the starting XI as a usual reliable pick for Gerrard.  Played Roofe in with a delightful through ball, but the striker was not on the same wavelength as Hagi.

Alfredo Morelos (for Roofe 65) 4

He brought in the hope his outstanding record in the Europa League would prove a vital lifeline for the Gers in this one. He linked up well on a few occasions with Sakala and Hagi, but never got that one chance that was required.

John Lunstram (for Aribo 76) 3

Came on to supplement the loss in midfield after Kamara’s ordering off. He is a driving force, but he could not impact the game in this short cameo.