Rangers supporters were delighted as the Englishman inspired a memorable European comeback
Ryan Kent has been hailed by Rangers fans after helping to turn the game around in Belgium.
The Englishman has endured an inconsistent campaign, but underlined his worth to Steven Gerrard’s men after replacing Kemar Roofe in the final moments of the first half.
Rangers went in 2-1 down at the break, but the 24-year-old looked lively as the Ibrox side dominated the second period.
With the Premiership leaders 3-2 down seven minutes from time, Kent played a one-two with Alfredo Morelos and beat substitute keeper Birger Verstraete with a superb finish.
He was denied a second two minutes later by Verstraete, but won his side a penalty with three minutes remaining after his shot was blocked by the hand of Abdoulaye Seck.
Borna Barisic stepped up to score his second spot-kick of the night and seal a memorable 4-3 victory at the Bosuilstadion.
Kent, who was the subject of a £10m bid from Leeds in August 2020 according to the Sun, began the night on the bench due to a knock, but showed no signs of sluggishness in an excellent second-half performance.
These delighted supporters sang his praises.
Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Gerrard highlighted that pivotal strike from the man he signed from Liverpool for £7m.
He said: “I always knew we had quality on the bench.
“Ryan showed his freshness coming on, and he scored a wonderful goal.
“I think over the course of the 90 minutes we deserved to win the game. We could have scored a few more goals.
“It showed that we have got character and a lot of quality in our team.”
The second leg will be played in Glasgow next Thursday, after a return to Premiership action against Dundee United at Ibrox on Sunday.
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