Rangers 2-0 Livingston: Ianis Hagi works his magic from the bench to ship Steven Gerrard’s facet by means of

Half-time substitute Ianis Hagi unlocked a cussed Livingston defence as Rangers progressed to the Premier Sports activities Cup semi-finals following a 2-0 Ibrox victory.

The Romania worldwide arrange Kemar Roofe to interrupt the impasse with little over two minutes of the second half gone.

Livingston then started to shoot themselves within the foot and Alfredo Morelos scored his first purpose in six matches following a present from visiting goalkeeper Max Stryjek within the 63rd minute.

David Martindale’s facet didn’t handle any efforts on purpose in any respect.

Rangers ensured they’d go at the least one stage additional than they did in each cup competitions final season as Steven Gerrard bids to win his first knockout match as supervisor.

Gerrard made six modifications following the weekend draw with Motherwell with Morelos restored to the entrance line.

Livi handed Stephane Omeonga a debut whereas Cristian Montano returned for his first look because the group stage.

Nathan Patterson created an early probability for himself however Stryjek was off his line shortly to make a superb cease.

Connor Goldson twice received team-mates in behind with lengthy passes however Scott Wright couldn’t take the ball down and Calvin Bassey fired over along with his weaker foot after reducing in from the left.

Because the half progressed, Livingston had some spells of possession with out entering into the opposition field and Rangers had been struggling to carve out possibilities.

Wright did thread one cross by means of the visiting defence however Nicky Devlin cleared off the road from Morelos.

Adam Lewis seemed bemused after being changed by Jack McMillan within the last minute of the half, though he had been limping moments earlier. Livingston assistant supervisor Marvin Bartley stopped the on-loan Liverpool participant going straight down the tunnel.

Gerrard had lower a annoyed determine for a lot of the half and he launched Hagi for Wright at half-time following the midfielder’s Covid-19 lay-off.

The change shortly paid dividends. Hagi collected Roofe’s cross within the field, received exterior James Penrice and squared for the striker to web from shut vary.

Livi started inflicting issues for themselves by twice gifting possession proper in entrance of their very own field. Stryjek got here to his team-mates’ assist by saving from Morelos and Roofe.

The goalkeeper made additional stops from every of the forwards earlier than giving the ball away himself. Stryjek handed the ball straight to Morelos 12 yards out and the Colombian fired house.

Stryjek recovered his composure to make a very good save from Goldson’s header as Rangers cruised into Thursday’s draw.