Rangers advanced to the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals with a 4-2 win over Alloa Athletic, prompting manager Russell Martin to emphasize the team’s focus on winning trophies this season. Martin rotated the squad, giving key players valuable minutes. The match featured goals from Bajrami, Fernandez, Tavernier, and Curtis. Martin confirmed interest in signing Jayden Meghoma on loan, while Jefte is expected to join Palmeiras. The team prepares for a Champions League play-off tie and aims for improvement in upcoming matches.
Rangers Football Club secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup with a comfortable 4-2 victory over Alloa Athletic. Manager Russell Martin expressed his delight at the result and emphasized the club's ambition to win trophies this season. The match saw significant squad rotation, with Martin making 10 changes from the team that suffered a 2-1 defeat to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League qualifier earlier in the week.
The game started brightly for Rangers, with Nedim Bajrami scoring a superb opener in the 13th minute. However, Alloa Athletic responded well, and Joe Rothwell inadvertently put the ball into his own net to level the scores in the 25th minute. Rothwell quickly made amends for his error, delivering a free-kick that was powerfully headed home by Emmanuel Fernandez, restoring Rangers' lead.
In the second half, Rangers extended their advantage when Cammy O'Donnell was penalized for handball following a VAR review. Captain James Tavernier stepped up and confidently converted the penalty in the 67th minute. Alloa refused to surrender, with Scott Taggart tapping in to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finale. However, Findlay Curtis put the game beyond doubt, scoring Rangers' fourth goal and sealing the victory.
Following the match, Martin spoke of his satisfaction with the result and the opportunity to give valuable game time to several players. "We scored four goals, we should have scored more, but I'm pleased we got guys on the pitch for the first time properly," Martin stated. "With 10 changes, it's not going to look as fluid and clean as it should, but so many of them will be in a better place than they were at the start."
Martin acknowledged that the performance was not perfect, but he was pleased with the progress made. "Today was frustrating at times, but we're through and guys got valuable minutes. It's my job to always want more and demand more. We want to win trophies this season, and this is a great chance for us to do so."
The focus now shifts to the Scottish Premiership, where Rangers have had a mixed start to the season, drawing 1-1 with both Motherwell and Dundee. Additionally, the team is preparing for a crucial Champions League play-off tie against Club Brugge. The first leg will be played at Ibrox on Tuesday, followed by a league match against St. Mirren next Sunday.
Martin is keen to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes, and he confirmed the club's interest in signing Brentford left-back Jayden Meghoma on loan. "Jayden is a player we know from Southampton. He spent a year with us as a young boy, training every day. He understands the work, he's a top talent, has played for England at all the youth levels," Martin explained. "So he's a player we know and like, and hopefully at some point he'll be a Rangers player, and you'll know that when he is."
Meghoma's arrival could coincide with the departure of Jefte, who is reportedly close to joining Palmeiras in Brazil for a fee of £6 million. Martin addressed Jefte's situation, saying, "It's looking likely he will be on his way and if he goes, he goes with everyone's best wishes. If, for whatever reason, it doesn't happen, he'll be welcomed back. We wouldn't let Jefte go if we didn't have plans to make sure we're not let short there."
Rangers' progress in the League Cup provides a welcome boost as they navigate a busy schedule and aim to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts. The victory over Alloa Athletic was a step in the right direction, and manager Russell Martin will be hoping for further improvements as the season progresses.