Rangers secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Hampden Park to book their place in the Scottish League Cup final, but it was a sensational piece of individual brilliance moments before the goal that caught the eye of pundit Andy Halliday.

While Ryan Naderi grabbed the headlines by sharply following in to score the 83rd-minute winner, former Ibrox midfielder Halliday pointed out that the breakthrough was entirely manufactured by an exceptional transitional sequence from striker Kevin Kelsy.

Finding himself isolated in a tricky 1v3 battle against three retreating Aberdeen defenders, Kelsy showed immense maturity to hold up the ball and wait for reinforcements. His patience paid off as Badredine Bouanani arrived to support on the left flank.

Although Bouanani’s initial low cross was intercepted and cleared by the Dons’ backline, the danger was far from over. The clearance fell invitingly to Dan Neil outside the penalty area, who quickly laid it off to James Penrice. Penrice whipped a devastating ball into the six-yard box, allowing Naderi to pounce and tap home the decisive winner.

Andy Halliday hails Kevin Kelsy’s involvement in Rangers winner vs Aberdeen

Speaking on BBC Sportsound immediately after the goal, Halliday was quick to spotlight Kelsy’s immense engine, composure, and tactical awareness. He left thoroughly impressed by the striker’s multi-phase contribution, saying:

It’s terrific from Kelsy, he drives 50 yards up the pitch and allows his team-mates to join him. Naderi does what all good strikers do and follows in. It’s a huge goal at a huge time.

Kelsy’s lung-busting run and subsequent composure completely altered the dynamic of the closing stages, forcing a rigid Aberdeen defence into a frantic scramble.

For Derek McInnes and his squad, individual moments of resilience, physical dominance, and unselfish link-up play underline the character required to navigate high-pressure cup football at the national stadium and secure a spot in the showpiece final.

Rangers will find out who they will face in the Scottish League Cup final later on Sunday (1 November), when Hearts face Hibernian at Hampden Park. The second semi-final tie kicks off at 15:00 BST. The final will then be held at Hampden on 13 December.

Rangers were scheduled to travel to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership on the same day, but that game is now set to be postponed.