BBC Pundit Calls Big-Money Rangers Star ‘Pretty Poor’ After Kilmarnock Incident

Rangers may have secured an important 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock, but not every player left Ibrox with his reputation enhanced. While Ryan Naderi stole the headlines with an impressive brace and Kevin Kelsy finally opened his Scottish Premiership scoring account, BBC pundit James McFadden delivered a blunt assessment of the Venezuelan striker’s overall performance.

Despite getting his name on the scoresheet, Kelsy was criticised for his contribution throughout the match, with McFadden describing his overall play as “pretty poor”. The comments have created another talking point for Rangers supporters, particularly because of the expectations surrounding the forward and the investment involved in bringing him to Ibrox.

For Derek McInnes, the result was undoubtedly the most important thing. Rangers claimed three points, continued their winning run and moved to the top of the Scottish Premiership table. However, Kelsy’s performance demonstrated why scoring a goal does not always guarantee universal praise.

The striker will have been delighted to find the net, especially after waiting for his first league goal for Rangers. Nevertheless, McFadden’s assessment suggests there are still areas of his game that require improvement if he is to become a reliable attacking option for the Ibrox club.

The incident that led to Kelsy’s goal also attracted attention. Dan Neil won possession in midfield and drove forward before finding the striker near the edge of the penalty area. Kelsy attempted to bring the ball under control and lay it off for Naderi, but the move did not develop as intended.

After losing his footing, the forward recovered quickly and fired a left-footed effort towards goal. The shot took a deflection off Kilmarnock defender George Stanger before beating goalkeeper Calum Ferrie.

Although there were questions from the Kilmarnock bench about a possible handball during the build-up, there was no definitive evidence presented to overturn the goal. Rangers were able to celebrate another important contribution from their summer signing.

However, McFadden was more interested in the wider performance than the final outcome of that particular attack.

Speaking on BBC Sportscene, the former Scotland international acknowledged the importance of Kelsy scoring but argued that his overall contribution had fallen below the standard expected from a striker playing for Rangers.

McFadden’s assessment was particularly significant because it highlighted the difference between delivering one decisive moment and producing a complete centre-forward performance.

For Rangers, that distinction matters. The club needs attacking players who can score goals, link up effectively with teammates, hold possession under pressure and help the team maintain its attacking rhythm.

Kelsy’s goal was a positive moment, but the challenge now is to build on it and demonstrate greater consistency.

Naderi’s performance offered a contrasting example. The forward scored twice and continued to attract attention for his movement, work rate and ability to find dangerous positions. His display gave Rangers another reason to feel optimistic about their attacking options.

Kelsy, meanwhile, has received a reminder that competition for places at Ibrox remains intense.

McInnes will be looking for more than goals from his forwards. He needs players who can contribute to the team’s overall performance, particularly when Rangers face opponents who defend aggressively and attempt to disrupt their build-up play.

If Kelsy can improve those aspects of his game while maintaining his ability to find the net, he will have a stronger case for regular involvement.

The goal against Kilmarnock provides a starting point, but the striker must now show that it can become part of a more consistent run of performances.

For Rangers supporters, the debate is likely to continue. Some will focus on the fact that Kelsy scored and helped the team secure victory, while others will agree with McFadden that his all-round contribution needs to improve.

Both points can be considered without ignoring the importance of the result.

Scoring a goal is valuable, especially for a striker who has been searching for his first league breakthrough. However, a single goal does not automatically resolve every concern about a player’s performance.

Kelsy now has an opportunity to respond on the pitch. His next appearances will provide a clearer indication of whether he can build confidence from the Kilmarnock goal and improve the aspects of his game highlighted by McFadden.

For McInnes, the priority will be ensuring that Rangers continue to win while demanding higher standards from every member of the squad.

The victory over Kilmarnock was another positive step, but the manager will know that tougher challenges lie ahead. Rangers need their attacking players to deliver consistently, and the competition for places should encourage everyone to improve.

Kelsy’s goal was welcome, but McFadden’s criticism has made one thing clear: finding the net is only part of what Rangers expect from their centre-forward.

The striker’s response will now be worth watching as he attempts to turn an important breakthrough into a sustained contribution at Ibrox