Rangers Stock Market: Scott Wright shines as Jack Simpson fails to impress on first start

Liam Craig's spotkick cancelled out a Scott Wright opener as the points were shared in the dress rehersal ahead of Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-final.

Here at Rangers Stock Market, our Glasgow Times Sport writers take you through whose stock has risen and whose has dropped every week as the Light Blues continue their unbeaten Scottish Premiership season.

UP

SCOTT WRIGHT

The former Aberdeen man grabbed his first Rangers goal against St Johnstone last night. It was a fine curling finish and his strike topped off another impressive display for his new team. Wright always looked a threat in possession, and he linked up well with his attacking teammates in the final third. Wright’s direct running is a huge asset, and he is quickly playing his way into contention as a regular starter.

Steven Gerrard hailed Wright’s display at full-time yesterday and it will be interesting to see whether the 23-year-old will become a starter next season. He holds similar attributes to Ryan Kent and with reports once again linking the former Liverpool man with a move to the Premier League, Wright could be called upon to fill his boots next term.

JOE ARIBO

Joe Aribo only played the best part of 20 minutes in Perth, but the energy that he injected from the bench was quite something. The playmaker is so strong in possession and his tricky feet caused the St Johnstone defence all kinds of problems. A particular highlight of Aribo’s cameo appearance was when he danced away from three Saints who seemingly had him surrounded, following a beautiful backheel flick.

There is sure to be interest in the Nigerian international this summer and Rangers will do well to hold on to him if his current form is anything to go by. He will surely be in from the start against Saints in the Scottish Cup this weekend.

JAMES TAVERNIER

The Ibrox skipper played 60 minutes as he made his return from injury last night. Tavernier hadn’t featured since February 18 in the Europa League and he showed up well on his return. The Englishman lacked a bit of fitness going forward and wasn’t his usual attacking threat, but he nullified St Johnstone in an accomplished defensive display.

After signing a new deal the skipper will be hoping to return to the Gers starting XI on a regular basis despite Nathan Patterson hot on his tail for a starting spot. A strong finish to the season could also see him land the player of the year award after already netting 17 goals from right-back this term.

DOWN

JACK SIMPSON

The former Bournemouth man made his first start for Rangers at McDiarmid Park and was far from convincing. The defender looked shaky in possession and the pace of the St Johnstone frontline appeared to cause him problems. He did make a couple of important interceptions and looked strong when called upon in aerial duals though.

Simpson was at fault for giving away St Johnstone’s 95th minute penalty and despite the decision appearing to be soft, he did give the referee a decision to make after following through on Chris Kane. He will have more to give and further game time will only improve his game as a whole.

KEMAR ROOFE

Steven Gerrard refused to criticise his striker, but there must have been a frustration after he needlessly gave away possession in the dying stags at McDiarmid Park. Roofe tried to replicate his heroics from Standard Liege as he took aim from inside his own half with Zander Clark backtracking. The Saints keeper saved with ease and launched the attack that eventually led to Saints being awarded a late penalty kick.

Roofe had a relatively quiet game otherwise and will be disappointed that he never created any clear-cut chances for himself or his teammates. He did however appear to form a relatively strong partnership with Cedric Itten. The pair bounced off each other and exchanged some neat passes in the final third.

BORNA BARISIC

The Croatian had a tough evening up against the marauding Shaun Rooney and due to his defensive shift, he very rarely got up the park to join the attack. It was noticeable that Saints were determined to stop both Barisic and Tavernier from getting up the pitch and they seemed to limit the pair to few chances with stats showing Rangers had just two shots from inside the box all game.

Barisic’s deliveries from set-pieces were also poor by his standards, which will disappoint both him and his manager. Both full backs will have to more in an attacking sense if they want to breakdown St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.