Daniel Candeias left Ally McCoist and Stephen Craigan drooling on Sunday after the Rangers winger played a beautiful ball into Ryan Kent during a counter attack against Aberdeen.
The Light Blues eventually settled for a 1-1 draw in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Pittodrie, but they could have sealed a semi-final spot if Ryan Kent and Scott Arfield were able to make the most of a delightful pass by Candeias in the 59th minute.
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McCoist and Craigan were both thrilled by the Portuguese winger’s vision and delivery as he found Kent on the counter-attack, however the chance was eventually put high and wide by Arfield.
While commentating on the game on Premier Sports 1 [Sunday, 02:48pm], McCoist said: “How good’s that ball? How good is that delivery from Candeias?”
“Kent brings it back, Arfield just too much on it, I think he tries to lift it over the goalkeeper, but what a pass again from Candeias.
Craigan added: “It’s sensational isn’t it?
“We spoke at half-time, the pitch looks a little bit dead at times, and you can imagine that kind of pass on a grazy pitch would be perfect for him, but good counter attack by Rangers.”
OPINION
Candeias had a very mixed game against Aberdeen. The former Porto winger delivered several really good balls into the danger zone and was unlucky to have not supplied his 11th assist of the season. However away from his crosses and some of his passes, it was an average display by the 31-year-old. That’s not to take anything away from the moment of brilliance that led to that Kent and Arfield chance. It was a sublime pass by the Rangers star, taking out several Aberdeen defenders to find Kent. Rangers were not at the races at Pittodrie and they will probably be relieved to have earned a replay at Ibrox later this month. The Light Blues will take on the Dons on March 12 to try and solidify their spot in the semi-finals. It’s a must-win game for Steven Gerrard. Rangers need to win a piece of silverware and the Scottish Cup looks as though it’s their only chance.