What the Rangers pundits said as Kris Boyd barbs Celtic, McCoist pleads for new deal and McInnes drops quip for the ages

It was a first win ever for Rangers in Spain but it came in a tournament which is second nature to this era of Ibrox stars.

And it came on an evening of utter joy in Seville as Real Betis were defeated 3-2 and with it top spot in Europa League Group C for Rangers. which means they have bypassed a treacherous playoff round, earned added cash and banked more coefficient points which will reap rewards in years to come. Many of the fans housed high in the gods suffered heartbreak 18 months earlier in the same city but redemption was on the menu as Kemar Roofe struck to win a thriller.

Rangers fans are buzzing, and rightly so, and that upbeat mood was reflected by the pundits covering the action on a pulsating Europa League evening.

Kris Boyd

“It’s an unbelievable result for Rangers. They got off to a great start through Sima. That man Kemar Roofe came off the bench and he swivelled and put it under the goalkeeper. I think considering they dropped five points to Aris, bottom seeds in the group, really struggled against them but have found a way to beat Real Betis and Sparta Prague. It’s huge, financially for the club and to get to that round 16. Once again, Rangers will fly the flag for Scottish football in the New Year.”

Ally McCoist

“Another thing worth mentioning is will Clement be supported in the transfer window? Absolutely, yes, but the moment the first thing I’m doing is getting the goalkeeper on a longer contract. That’s the first thing I would do. I would extend that, the goalkeeper has been absolutely outstanding. He will bring one or two new faces into the club and deserves to do that but you want to keep that goalkeeper.”

Derek McInnes

“I thought the manager got his substitutions spot on, he has rinsed absolutely everything out of what he has available to him. It’s a huge result, a fantastic result in the context of their season. They will take so much confidence beating Real Betis in their own backyard. A fantastic achievement. Big Dessers turns into Archie Gemmill (for his goal).”

Rory Loy

“The first one did hit the crossbar. The second one, the ball in the air is fantastic, it’s a great save from Butland. It does hit Davies in the arm. I am surprised VAR hasn’t had a closer look. It is just above the elbow and inside the arm. There isn’t a lot he can do about it. But going by the laws of the game, I am surprised they haven’t had a look at it given where it took place, right on the goal line.”

Kenny Miller

“Sterling has been excellent in the second half. He’s plugged gaps, he’s shown great energy. It’s a position that is a little bit foreign to him but he goes in there and gives you everything. He has good legs, he covers the distance. He has had a really half.”