Kris Boyd left stunned by Rangers star world-class display in emphatic Old Firm cup win over Celtic

Kris Boyd left stunned by Rangers star world-class display in emphatic Old Firm cup win over Celtic

Rangers captain Dan Neil produced an outstanding, match-defining performance as Derek McInnes’s side dismantled Celtic 3-0 in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The midfielder scored a brilliant brace, leaving former Rangers striker and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd among those impressed by a display widely described as world-class.

Neil, the former Sunderland captain who joined Rangers on a free transfer in the summer, opened the scoring in the 22nd or 23rd minute. Ryan Naderi won the ball from Cameron Carter-Vickers and found Kevin Kelsy, who teed up Neil on the edge of the box. The Englishman took a composed touch and guided a precise finish past Sam Johnstone for his first Gers goal. Ibrox erupted as the home side seized control of the first Old Firm meeting of the season—played without away fans due to a ticket allocation dispute.

Rangers dominated throughout. They continued to press effectively, limiting Celtic’s threat under Martin O’Neill. Kelsy, the new striker, added a second in the 59th minute—his first goal in Light Blue—to make it 2-0. Neil then sealed the victory in the 75th minute with another fine strike from outside the box, this time finding the top corner with a right-footed effort. The skipper’s leadership and quality shone as Rangers marched into the semi-finals, handing Celtic their first domestic defeat of the campaign.

Boyd, a long-time observer of the Old Firm and known for his forthright analysis, has previously praised strong Rangers performances in derby wins. While full post-match quotes from him on this specific game were still emerging shortly after the final whistle, the nature of Neil’s contribution—two composed, high-quality finishes from midfield, combined with disciplined leadership—aligns with the kind of display that routinely draws strong praise from the former striker. Neil’s all-round game, energy, technical quality, and ability to contribute goals made him the standout performer in a team effort that left Celtic struggling to create clear chances.

This result marks McInnes’s first Old Firm victory as Rangers manager and gives the side momentum ahead of the league meeting next weekend. For Neil, signed as a technically gifted, energetic midfielder with leadership experience from captaining Sunderland to promotion, it was the perfect statement performance on the biggest stage. His double and overall command left little doubt about his impact at Ibrox.

In a fixture defined by intensity and history, Dan Neil’s world-class showing stood tall, providing the platform for a memorable 3-0 victory and giving Rangers fans plenty to celebrate.