Chris Sutton says Rangers star will be ‘disappointed’ with mistake against Braga

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Chris Sutton has told BT Sport’s Europa League Highlights Show that Rangers star Connor Goldson will be “disappointed” with his defending for Braga’s only goal on Thursday – despite winning the tie 3-2 on aggregate.

Rangers progressed into the Europa League semi-finals at Ibrox but needed extra time in order to do so – despite playing against 10 men for 45 minutes. James Tavernier scored a first-half brace, the first after two minutes.

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The Gers dominated and looked as though they were going to cruise to victory, only for David Carmo to plant a header into the back of the net from a corner. The game went into extra-time, and Kemar Roofe scored.

There was more drama, as Braga went down to nine men before the end of the game. So, Rangers progress where they will now face Leipzig in the semi-finals of the Europa League – but Sutton has criticism for Goldson.

“Braga hadn’t been up the pitch in the second half. Rangers will be disappointed they didn’t create a lot of big opportunities. Of course, there is always the danger you’re going to concede from a set piece.

“It is a terrific header. He gets a run off Goldson and Goldson will be disappointed with the way he has defended there – it gave Braga a way back into the tie from absolutely nowhere,” Sutton said.

Sutton on Goldson: Will he leave Rangers, even after Thursday?

Goldson remains out of contract at Rangers. He looks more and more likely to end his four-year spell at the club, in which he has shown incredible consistency but also a massive improvement during his 214 outings.

In that time, he has helped Rangers end Celtic’s dominance and win the Scottish Premiership title. He has improved Rangers considerably in Europe. So, will Goldson leave this summer? It will be hard, after Thursday.

The crowd, the atmosphere, and the sheer fact Rangers have got themselves into a Europa League semi-final is stunning. But Goldson will harbour Premier League ambitions, and a move down south looks likely.