Kris Commons lauds Niko Kranjcar’s display in Rangers’ cup win

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Glasgow Rangers booked their place in the next round of the Scottish Cup, with the Ibrox side running out 3-0 winners.

Kris Commons has told Sky Sports’ live post-match coverage of Rangers’ Scottish Cup tie with Fraserburgh (broadcast on 31st January 2018 from 19:00) that Niko Kranjcar’s performance in the 3-0 win has probably given Graeme Murty a selection headache.

Kranjcar was one of a number of players who are arguably closer to the periphery of the first-team who were included in the squad for the game against the Highland League side.

And while it was Josh Windass who stole the show with a hat-trick, Kranjcar’s performance also deserves a lot of praise, with the Croatian showing some quality to help his side avoid an upset and book their place in the next round of the competition. And after the game, Commons could not praise the 33-year-old high enough for his display.

“I must admit, his professionalism to see what he’s done in his career, to come to a club like Fraserburgh – no disrespect – and put in a performance like he did was a credit to his profession,” he told Sky Sports’ live post-match coverage.

“I spoke to Kenny Miller, he said he works so hard in the gym, he’s working hard to stay lean, working in training. It just epitomised the hard work that he’s doing off the field, especially the number 10, in the attacking role, when you are a bit silky, it’s the little things that you miss, so the vision, the little touches, the link-up play. He had all that tonight.

“It was a real, real strong performance, just needed a goal to cap it off, but a tremendous performance and certainly, will probably give Graeme Murty a little headache now.”

What has been frustrating about Kranjcar since his switch to Ibrox is, when he has been fit, he has shown glimpses of real quality that suggest that he is going to be a hugely important player for the club, but can also put in performances that attract a lot of criticism.

The display at Fraserburgh hints that he has the hunger to prove that he can still make an impact for the Gers in the coming months, and he will be hoping that Murty has been given the selection dilemma that Commons has suggested.