Giovanni van Bronckhorst pleased as Aaron Ramsey makes first Rangers start

Giovanni van Bronckhorst was pleased to give Aaron Ramsey his first Rangers start in their 3-0 Scottish Cup win against Annan Athletic at Galabank.

The on-loan Juventus midfielder had made two substitute appearances before the fifth-round tie against the League Two outfit and, in a totally-changed visiting side, he came through an hour before being replaced by Alex Lowry.

By then, goals from fit-again defender Filip Helander and attackers Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala had the Light Blues in control with the 31-year-old Wales international knocking the ball in the net before the break only to see the offside flag up.

Ahead of the Europa League tie away to Borussia Dortmund on Thursday, Van Bronckhorst told Premier Sports: “You can see that Aaron wants to play football and enjoy it. You could see that in the first half.

“He was asking for the ball and tried to find openings. He scored a goal but was offside.

“He looked really lively so I’m happy for him to play for an hour.

“I’m also pleased for Helander to come back and (Steve) Davis to get more minutes.

“We played some youngsters at the end and Mateusz (Zukowski) had a really good debut as well.”

Ramsey was glad to get the chance to increase his fitness, saying:  “It was very important for me because it was my first start in a long time.

“I was always going to be a little bit rusty but I’m glad I got 60 minutes in the legs again. I’m feeling good.

“I’m building everything week by week and hopefully I can start more regularly and help the team. I’m glad to be here and enjoying my football again.”

Despite changing the whole starting 11 from the side which beat Hibernian in midweek it was a professional performance from the Scottish champions to take them into Monday