Dan Neil 'ran the show' for Rangers in Old Firm derby
Peter Lovenkrands praised Dan Neil's standout performance in Rangers' League Cup win over Celtic, drawing comparisons to Barry Ferguson.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Vincenzo.togni
Dan Neil delivered a commanding performance to help Rangers secure a 3-0 victory over Celtic, propelling the side into the Scottish League Cup semi-finals. Former Ibrox player Peter Lovenkrands was quick to praise the 24-year-old, noting a striking resemblance to club legend Barry Ferguson in the way Neil dictated play.
Dan Neil ran the show from the start. On the ball he never lost a pass, simple things, he was doing everything right. I've not seen a performance like that since Barry Ferguson in the way he controlled the midfield. Peter Lovenkrands
Neil, who joined the club in July, scored twice with precise finishes in the 23rd minute and late in the game. Stepping up as captain in the absence of Lawrence Shankland, he thrived in his first Old Firm derby, anchoring a midfield that also featured Nicolas Raskin and James Penrice.
Manager Derek McInnes commended the collective effort, highlighting that the win was built on tactical discipline and the players' willingness to exploit space around the box. McInnes noted that the team's growing cohesion has been a vital response to a challenging few weeks for the club.
With this statement victory, Rangers now look ahead to next Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Celtic. The result serves as a significant boost for the squad as they prepare to face their rivals once again at Celtic Park.