Dan Neil delivered one of the standout midfield performances in recent Scottish football memory as Rangers dismantled Celtic 3-0 to storm into the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals on Sunday.

Former Rangers and Celtic forward Peter Lovenkrands, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, drew a striking comparison between Neil's display and the legendary Ibrox midfield authority of Barry Ferguson.

"Dan Neil ran the show from the start. On the ball he never lost a pass, simple things, he was doing everything right. I've not seen a performance like that since Barry Ferguson in the way he controlled the midfield."

Neil, 24, broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with a crisp, low finish from the edge of the box before sealing the victory with another emphatic strike late in the match. Lovenkrands was unequivocal in his assessment: "He popped up with goals, not just any goals, top-class finishes. It was an outstanding performance."

A captain's display in his first Old Firm

Neil joined Rangers on a three-year deal in July and was immediately welcomed into the leadership group by manager Derek McInnes. With Lawrence Shankland absent, Neil wore the captain's armband and rose to the occasion of his first Old Firm derby, excelling alongside Nicolas Raskin and James Penrice — who inverted from left-back — in a commanding midfield trio.

McInnes acknowledged Neil's contribution while crediting the collective effort. "Dan is going to get highlighted for his goals — two different types of finishes — but we knew we could occupy that space on the edge of the box if we attacked properly," the manager said. "The three of them were terrific and it played a big part in us getting some sort of ascendancy in the game."

One moment encapsulated Neil's authority: he spun Celtic captain Callum McGregor and left him in his wake — a microcosm of Rangers' dominance across the full 90 minutes. Neil also got the better of Benjamin Nygren throughout the afternoon.

Neil and McInnes look ahead

Neil was measured in victory, crediting the team's collective belief and preparation. "We all believed in the plan," he said. "The gaffer is good before games and he made sure we were ready to run through brick walls. That togetherness and cohesion has really come on recently."

McInnes echoed that sentiment and urged his squad to carry the momentum into what comes next. Celtic host Ferencvaros in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday before the sides meet again at Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership next Sunday.

"It's up to us to keep reinforcing the message that when you play at Rangers there's another big game round the corner," McInnes said. "I love the togetherness — I need to have this team who cares for each other. It gives so much encouragement to the club, fans, and the board as to what we're capable of."