Lovenkrands Questions Fernandez Display in Rangers’ 5-1 Win Over St Mirren

Posted : 17 August 2026

Nigeria international Emmanuel Fernandez came under scrutiny after Rangers secured a 5-1 victory over St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup at Ibrox on Sunday. The defender started at centre-back as Derek McInnes’ side recorded their first competitive win under the manager and booked a place in the quarter-finals.

Fernandez’s afternoon included two moments that attracted attention. He was shown a yellow card in the 20th minute before later conceding a penalty after bringing down St Mirren’s Eseosa Sule inside the area. The Nigerian defender escaped a second booking for the challenge, while Killian Phillips failed to convert the resulting spot-kick.

Phillips initially put the ball in the net, but the penalty had to be retaken after the referee ruled that the required procedure had not been followed. Ivor Pandur then produced the decisive save from the second attempt, preventing St Mirren from reducing the deficit and keeping Rangers firmly in control.

Former Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands praised several Rangers players but identified Fernandez as a concern during his assessment of the match. Speaking on BBC Sportsound, Lovenkrands said the centre-back had “looked vulnerable” and pointed to his sloppy moments, booking and the penalty he conceded.

Despite the criticism, Rangers produced an emphatic attacking display. Ryan Naderi opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Vanja Dragojevic doubled the advantage nine minutes later. Chris Mochrie pulled one back for St Mirren before half-time, but Rangers responded strongly after the break.

Djeidi Gassama restored the two-goal lead in the 52nd minute, before James Penrice marked his Rangers debut with another goal two minutes later. Ross McCausland completed the scoring in the 74th minute as McInnes’ team finished the contest with four second-half goals.

The result represents an important lift for McInnes after Rangers had endured a difficult start to his tenure. The victory also sends Rangers into the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals, where they are set to face Celtic in an Ibrox Old Firm tie.

For Fernandez, the performance offers a mixed assessment. His presence remains important to Rangers’ defensive plans, but Lovenkrands’ comments underline the need for greater concentration and discipline as the Nigerian looks to establish himself under McInnes.

Lovenkrands Questions Fernandez Display in Rangers’ 5-1 Win Over St Mirren

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics