Super subs turn on heat to save the day for Rangers

GLASGOW: Rangers manager Mark Warburton hailed the contribution of his substitutes as they helped his side secure a 1-0 stoppage time win over Dundee at Ibrox.

In what has become a familiar scenario this season, Rangers dominated possession on Saturday but could not find a way to convert their chances and breach a well-organised and determined Dundee defence.

In a last throw of the dice Warburton threw on attacking players Harry Forrester, Joe Dodoo and Barrie McKay in search of a winner.

However, the Glasgow giants seemed to be heading to their sixth draw of the season before super sub Forrester popped up in the third minute of stoppage time to head home Dodoo’s cross.

And Warburton couldn’t hide his delight at the impact his substitutes had made.

“We had a strong bench today attacking wise and I thought the subs made a difference,” the Gers gaffer said.

“They came on and brought energy and pace. I had no problem with the boys coming off but it was done for a bit of variety.

“Barrie McKay has been out of the firing line for two or three games and was keen to make an impression.

“Joe Dodoo came on and Harry will admit himself that he has been below his level in training. He’s picked it up over the last couple of weeks and today he got his goal. I’m delighted for him.

“We have to recognise that frustration can’t win the day.

“We could have been two or three up at half-time but we weren’t. We recognise that. We dominated the ball possession-wise which doesn’t mean a great deal without the end product.

“We’re never going to be long ball that’s not how we play. We got the rewards and it’s a big three points for us.”

Goal-scorer Forrester has found his chances limited at Ibrox this season and his manager said that the former Doncaster Rovers player would find himself on the bench until he improved his fitness.

“He has to work on his fitness levels. He has a had a few niggles. It’s about working with these boys,” Warburton said.

“Harry won’t be pleased with the remark but at the minute he is a more effective sub. He needs to make sure he can deliver over 90 minutes.”

The win was only Rangers’ sixth of the season and keeps them in third spot, a point behind Aberdeen.

The Ibrox club trail league leaders Celtic by 11 points and the Rangers supporters were vocal in their displeasure when it looked like they were going to drop further behind their Old Firm rivals as the game against Dundee headed into stoppage time goalless.

However, match-winner Forrester said he understood the expectations and frustrations of the Rangers supporters.

“The crowd help us so much,” the English midfielder said.

“Sometimes they expect us to do better than we’re doing and we sense that. But as professionals we’ve got to deal with that.” — AFP