Peter Lovenkrands believes Newcastle 29-year-old ‘deserves’ credit for Rangers goal

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Former Newcastle United and Rangers forward Peter Lovenkrands has paid tribute to Miguel Almiron for his goal at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

Eddie Howe handed the Paraguayan his first appearance of pre-season against Rangers, starting on the right of attack where he played so brilliantly last season.

Almiron scored 11 goals from the right wing last year, and it came after an impressive pre-season. Hopefully another successful campaign is on the horizon for the 29-year-old, and the early signs are promising.

He opened the scoring in the 16th minute of Allan McGregor’s testimonial, producing a tidy finish after being played through on goal by Elliot Anderson.

The goal also showcased Sandro Tonali’s talent, with his clever one touch pass allowing Anderson to break the lines and setup the Magpies’ number 24. All Almiron had to do was hit the target, and he found the bottom corner with ease.

Peter Lovenkrands impressed with Miguel Almiron’s ‘great finish’

Lovenkrands was on commentary duty for Rangers TV, and admitted that Almiron deserves a lot of credit for an exceptional opening goal of the evening.

“Good finish, deserves credit for that,” he said.

“Calm, opened his body up. Slots it home along the ground. Something you would teach the young boys coming through. Great finish, no chance for McGregor.”

Sign of things to come

Almiron will likely be competing with Anthony Gordon for a place in the starting XI this season, who Howe is expecting to be a key player.

That might suggest that Almiron will play second fiddle to Gordon, but the £21million man has shown early signs that he will not be giving up his place in the side that easily.

He looked incredibly sharp against Rangers, combining brilliantly with Kieran Trippier like he did so well during last season’s remarkable campaign.

Miggy’s goal return made him a key player for Howe, and it will be great if he can be just as prolific when the Premier League returns.

It was a trademark finish from Almiron, who showed real composure in front of a packed out Ibrox – the type of composure he did not have until he started working with Howe.