RANGERS GET BACK ON TRACK

The build-up to this one was all about what kind of reaction Rangers would show as they looked to recover from their setback against Hearts on Sunday. In terms of the result, it was just what Steven Gerrard needed.

The Ibrox crowd would have had one eye on events in Perth but what happened here was more important and supporters will hope this comfortable and deserved victory is the start of another long unbeaten run in the Premiership.

Assistant Gary McAllister admitted Rangers will need to be pretty much perfect in the coming weeks if they are to keep in touch with Celtic and this was a pleasing way to put their Hearts horror show behind them as Jermain Defoe and Scott Arfield netted.

It wasn’t a perfectly polished performance, but it was more than good enough to earn the victory and Rangers must now build on this win when Aberdeen visit this weekend.

THE GOALS CAME AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME

Rangers took to the field here with a point to prove after their lamentable showing against Hearts. The need for all three points was obvious, but Ibrox demanded a performance as well.

It took around 20 minutes for the moans and groans to start as Gerrard’s side toiled once again. Chances were hard to come by as County defended well and there was a feeling of frustration in the cold Glasgow air.

If Defoe hadn’t opened the scoring just four minutes before the break, the whistle would have been greeted by a chorus of boos and the home crowd would have made their feelings clear.

The quick turn and neat finish ensured that wasn’t the case, though, and Rangers had the foundation upon which to build in the second half.

Within two minutes, Arfield had doubled the advantage and the game was won. The flick from Defoe was class, and the finish from Arfield was clinical as any fears were put to bed.

TAVERNIER CAN’T COME BACK QUICK ENOUGH

The loss of your captain is always going to be sorely felt by any team but Tavernier’s absence in recent weeks should prove to his doubters just how important he is to Rangers. The Gers just haven’t been the same side without him and he will be sorely missed in the coming days as he works his way back to full fitness following appendix surgery earlier this month.

Youngster Nathan Patterson is perhaps the closest that Gerrard has to a direct replacement to Tavernier in terms of his style and approach. Jon Flanagan was underwhelming against St Mirren and in the first half on Sunday, while Matt Polster was a steady performer here and he can be pleased with his efforts on a rare start.

The full-backs are crucial to the way that Rangers attack but Gerrard doesn’t have anyone that can step in to minimise the loss of his captain and provide Rangers with the same attacking outlet. Going forward, the door seems open for Patterson to become that man.

MORELOS IS BACK IN BLUE

Gerrard revealed in a RangersTV interview on Wednesday morning that his star striker was carrying a calf injury, so it was no surprise that Defoe got the nod to start here.

Morelos was given a warm reception by the Ibrox crowd early on and then a huge roar greeted his introduction as he replaced Kent for the final 20 minutes or so and he got his first action since the Old Firm win at Parkhead.

The Colombian found himself at the centre of another undeserved incident before the game after it emerged that Police are checking over his car after a man was allegedly found to be ‘tampering’ with it. To date, ‘no criminality’ has been established.

Football would have been the focus for Morelos come kick-off, though. This cameo appearance will certainly stand him in good stead and his return is timely for Rangers after Defoe was stretchered off midway through the second half.

COUNTY WILL BE PLEASED TO HAVE OLD FIRM DOUBLE HEADER BEHIND THEM

The fixture list certainly hasn’t been kind to Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson this week but their two outings against the Old Firm won’t define their campaign.

Celtic were 3-0 winners over the Staggies at the weekend and they never looked like causing an upset at Ibrox. They were combative and can’t be faulted for effort, but Rangers always had too much for the visitors.

Their approach wasn’t as defensive and rigid as some teams have been here right enough as they looked to catch the Gers on the break. After two decent showings, they can head to Kilmarnock with more of a chance of a reward for their efforts.