Rangers defender Rob Kiernan has been criticised by Michael Stewart.
Rangers’ Rob Kiernan (L) in action with Hibernian’s David Gray (R)
Former Rangers youngster Michael Stewart has told The Scottish Sun that Rob Kiernan reminds him of ex-Gers defender Marius Zaliukas.
Rangers were humiliated on Saturday afternoon, as they were hammered 5-1 by Old Firm rivals Celtic at Celtic Park, with Mark Warburton’s men struggling throughout.
With some shambolic marking from set pieces – which led to Moussa Dembele’s first goal of the afternoon – and profligacy in possession, it was a thoroughly embarrassing afternoon for the Gers.
Rangers’ Rob Kiernan (R) in action with Michael O’Halloran
Debutant Philippe Senderos has been slammed by many for his performance, as the Swiss defender was not only given the run around by striker Dembele, but then received a red card for two bookable offences.
However, his centre back partner Rob Kiernan didn’t cover himself in glory either, and was horrendously out of position for multiple Celtic goals.
Rangers’ Rob Kiernan (R) in action with Hibernian’s Daniel Carmichael
A favourite of manager Warburton having worked together at Watford and Brentford, Kiernan has been a mainstay of the Rangers defence over the last year, but hasn’t been without his critics.
Saturday wasn’t the first time Kiernan has struggled on the big stage, as he was slammed for his performance against Hibernian in the Scottish Cup final back in May, and Michael Stewart, who was in the Rangers academy before moving on to Manchester United, has now criticised him as well.
Stewart, now a pundit, has told The Scottish Sun that Kiernan reminds him of former Rangers defender Marius Zaliukas, who lasted just one year at Ibrox during a miserable spell with the club.
Heart of Midlothian’s Osman Sow (L) in action wit Marius Zaliukas
“Philippe Senderos took a lot of criticism after his red card against Celtic but Rob Kiernan isn’t the answer either,” said Stewart. “He constantly comes up short in big games. Think back to the Scottish Cup Final when he allowed Anthony Stokes to just drift in unchallenged to score.
“Kiernan was exposed against Celtic too. What is he thinking with his pass at Moussa Dembele’s second goal? He reminds me of Marius Zaliukas, who I played with at Hearts. He has all the attributes, but is poor positionally and concentration-wise. Kiernan gives opportunities to the opposition and when you play in the open way Rangers do, it causes problems,” he added.
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