Gary McAllister challenges Rangers' central defenders to score more goals

Joe Worrall got his first for the club in Sunday's draw with Aberdeen

Published 6th Mar 2019

Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister has challenged their central defenders to get among the goals more often after Joe Worrall broke his duck against Aberdeen on Sunday.

The on-loan Nottingham Forest player netted to earn Rangers a William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final replay and a potential Hampden clash with Celtic in the last four.

It was the 22-year-old's first goal in 27 Rangers appearances while his centre-back partner Connor Goldson has netted three this season.

McAllister told Rangers TV: "We have two centre-halves with a big physical presence and they've had opportunities. Even if you ask them, I think they'd be looking to score a few more goals.

"If you can add defenders onto the scoresheet, it's such a big thing.''

McAllister believes Worrall has been outstanding in recent weeks.

The England Under-21 international gifted Kilmarnock a goal in a 2-1 defeat immediately after the winter break but he has helped Rangers keep seven clean sheets in his subsequent nine appearances.

McAllister said: "In the last four or five games he has been excellent.

"I'm unaware of the criticism he has been getting. We just focus on how he trains and how he prepares for games, and he's been excellent.

"He has been a particular stand-out in the last three or four games, shown a bravery to get on the ball and pass the ball, and it was nice to see him get the goal.'