Hamza Igamane capitalised on a shambolic defensive performance to score twice in Nice and make his case for a regular start at Rangers.
The young striker, preferred to Cyriel Dessers, led the line well in another Europa League victory that contrasted sharply with Rangers’ domestic struggles.
Against a severely-depleted French side, Vaclav Cerny and Mohamed Diomande put the visitors two up before Igamane added a third just before half-time.
Aided by another of several defensive howlers, Igamane scored his second early in the second half and, although there was a late consolation for the home side, it was all too easy for Phillippe Clement’s team.
They are now in the top eight of the Europa League table with 10 points from five games. Paul Forsyth assesses the individual performances in their latest European triumph.
Hamza Igamane repaid the faith shown in him by scoring twice in a 4-1 victory over Nice
Igamane took advantage of another defensive mistake by scoring Rangers’ fourth goal
Connor Barron was a vital ball-winner in midfield, making his presence felt all night
Jack Butland – 7
Had a few saves to make. Stood up strong to a couple of meaty hits early on. Blameless for the late consolation.
Dujon Sterling – 6
Without making many inroads in attack, did the simple things well. Kept his position and covered the breaks.
John Souttar – 7.5
Another solid defensive display to go with the technical ability he’s better known for. Boy does he love a block.
Robin Propper – 6.5
A comfortable night for the Dutchman, who won his aerial battles, held the line and distributed the ball well.
Jefte – 7
Broke forward confidently, often with diagonal runs. Ended one by curling a shot wide, and another by testing the keeper.
Nicolas Raskin – 7
Hungry and industrious. Unsettled his fragile opponents by prompting and probing from start to finish.
Connor Barron – 7
Vital ball-winner. Made his presence felt, harrying the opposition and frequently regaining possession.
Vaclav Cerny – 6.5Not at his best, but didn’t need to be. Opened the scoring with a deflected shot that wrong-footed the keeper.
Mohamed Diomande – 6
Enjoyed the room he was given. Capitalised on an error by nicking the ball over the keeper for Rangers’ third.
Nedim Bajrami – 5
Got away with some sloppy work. Made poor decisions in attack, and frequently failed to do his job defensively.
Hamza Igamane – 8
Set up the opener. Pounced on a short passback to score his first. Took full advantage of another error for his second.
SUBSTITUTES: Tavernier (Sterling, 62min), McCausland (Cerny, 62), Dessers (Igamane, 69), Yilmaz (Diomande, 69), Rice (Bajrami 80). Not used: Kelly, Dowell, Balogun, King, Fraser, McKinnon, Curtis.
Philippe Clement – 6
Hard to judge. Fully rewarded for starting Igamane, but Nice were a shambles at the back.
NICE (4-3-1-2): Bulka 6; Louchet 5, Ndayishimiye 3 (Nandjou 19min), Abdelmonem 5, Bard 5 (Ndombele 46); Boudaoui 6 (Guessand 69), Rosario 3, Camara 6 (Salhi 69); Bouanani 6; Moukoko 6 (Cho 69), Laborde 6.
Referee: R de Burgos (Sp) – 6