Rangers reaction: Serious POTY contender emerges, key men able to ease off ahead of Belgrade trip, James Sands stakes claim

Ahead of the intensity and intimidating atmosphere they are set to face at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade on Thursday night, Rangers could not have found themselves in more sharply contrasting surroundings than they did at Dens Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Scottish champions were barely extended as they eased to a 3-0 Scottish Cup quarter-final victory with goals from Connor Goldson, James Tavernier and Fashion Sakala.

It effectively became a home tie for Rangers whose travelling support provided all the noise on a day which underlined the current indifference of the Dundee fans towards their flatlining club.

As Giovanni van Bronckhorst manages his squad through a schedule which sees him targeting silverware in both the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup alongside further progress in an impressive Europa League campaign, he struck the right balance as Dundee were swatted aside.

There were rare starts for James Sands and Aaron Ramsey, both of whom could be satisfied with their most effective contributions since joining the club in the January transfer window.

American international Sands was composed and tidy as he dovetailed well in a holding midfield role alongside Ryan Jack, while Welsh star Ramsey displayed touches of premium quality during his 79 minutes on the pitch.

Rangers captain Tavernier maintained his recent sequence of confidently dispatched penalty kicks. He has now netted seven times from the spot this season and has taken his overall goals tally to 12.

Tavernier has been a model of consistency and is emerging as a serious contender for Player of the Year honours when the major individual awards are dished out in May.

If he can maintain his outstanding current form, he will be key to Rangers’ hopes