Rangers endured a disappointing exit from the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night but Scott Wright at least earned some praise from Ibrox icon Ally McCoist during that 1-0 home defeat by Benfica.
There is, of course, no shame in bowing out to a team with Benfica’s European stature. Especially considering the manner of Rangers’ performance over two legs, losing by the odd goal in five on home soil while Philippe Clement was left claiming that his side played better in Glasgow than they did during that impressive 2-2 draw in Lisbon seven days earlier.
But still, with an embattled Benfica feeling like a team there for the taking and with Roger Schmidt’s side waiting until 160 minutes in to lead in the tie for the first time, there is a nagging feeling of an opportunity missed.
McCoist, in particular, could not fathom the manner in which Benfica opened the scoring at Ibrox, Rangers caught short from their own corner kick for what felt like the umpteenth time as the masterful Rafa Silva burst in behind and finished cooly past Jack Butland.
Silva’s winner came around 20 minutes after Rangers created and squandered arguably their best opening of the night, Scott Wright handed a shock start but justifying his inclusion with an incisive run and pass whichCyriel Dessers failed to make the most of.
Rangers suffer Europa League exit against Benfica
“Magnificent from Wright,” McCoist told TNT Sports of the former Aberdeen man, Wright drifting into a central position before picking up the ball on the half turn and driving at a backpedalling Benfica backline.
“That touch there is superb. That’s what we don’t see enough of (from him). And, I tell you what, the vision to see Dessers, who had peeled off, was brilliant
“Absolutely first class from Scott Wright.”
Future uncertain at Ibrox
This was only Wright’s third appearance in the Europa League campaign, and his first start since he was hauled off at half-time following an ineffective display in the 3-0 win at St Johnstone a month ago.
With only one year left on his Rangers contract, Wright is one of a number of players who appears to be fighting for his future under Clement. Now, one impressive run and pass in a 1-0 defeat will not be enough to justify handing out fresh terms, but if Wright wants to save his Rangers career then more moments like this would come in very handy between now and the end of May.
It remains to be seen if Wright – who nearly moved to Turkey with Pendikspor last summer – keeps his place with Rangers travelling to Dundee on Sunday.
