Dan Neil showcased a standout performance reminiscent of Barry Ferguson as Rangers triumphed over Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals on Sunday, winning 3-0. Former teammate Peter Lovenkrands praised Neil's control in midfield, stating, "Dan Neil ran the show from the start. On the ball, he never lost a pass."

Neil opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a precise low shot from the edge of the box and later added another goal, highlighting his top-class finishing. Lovenkrands emphasized the significance of Neil's contributions, saying, "He popped up with goals, not just any goals, top-class finishes. It was an outstanding performance."

Having signed a three-year deal in July, Neil has quickly become a crucial part of Derek McInnes' leadership group, wearing the captain's armband in Lawrence Shankland's absence. He excelled in the midfield alongside Nicolas Raskin and James Penrice, effectively controlling the game against experienced opponents like Callum McGregor and Benjamin Nygren.

Manager McInnes commended the trio, noting, "The three of them were terrific and it played a big part in us getting some sort of ascendancy in the game."

Reflecting on the match, Neil stated, "It was a great team performance. We fully deserved the victory out there. We wanted to use the crowd and get after them - the lads executed it perfectly." This match marks a significant milestone in Neil's career, showcasing his growth and potential within the Rangers squad.