The Rangers manager was rewarded with a 3-1 win over Scottish Cup final opponents Hearts – and a display that showed much promise for the future.
Only youngster Alex Lowry was kept on from the midweek win over Ross County as Rangers rested their key players before Wednesday’s Europa league Final against Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville.
Even James Tavernier and Connor Goldson, practically ever-presents under both van Bronckhorst and Steven Gerrard before him, sat out the Tynecastle clash with young defenders Leon king and Adam Devine starting alongside on-loan James Sands.
Hearts fielded a strong side with many of Robbie Neilson’s side expected to appear against Rangers again in the Scottish Cup Final next weekend but van Bronckhorst’s fringe selection signed off the league campaign a 3-1 win courtesy of Cedric Itten’s equaliser and a winning double from blossoming youth players Lowry and Cole McKinnon.
Here is how the Rangers players rated.
9. Scott Arfield - 6
Powerful first-half performance in the midfield and was replaced at the interval with Wednesday night in mind. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
10. Amad Diallo - 5
Another frustrating display by the Ivorian. Gets into good positions but twice spurned reasonable opportunities. Subbed midway through second half. Photo: Andrew Milligan
11. Cedric Itten - 7
Took his header very well and linked play. A decent performance by the out-of-favour Swiss. Photo: Andrew Milligan
12. Alex Lowry - 8
Took his goal superbly, ran with purpose and threatened Hearts time and time again. A very good performance from the teenager. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group