STEVEN GERRARD hailed the 'outstanding' contribution of Filip Helander as the defender helped Rangers extend their unbeaten Premiership run with victory away to Hibernian.

Rangers maintained their 23 point lead over Celtic in the title race as Alfredo Morelos netted the only goal of the game at Easter Road to move them a step closer to a first league crown in a decade.

It was to prove another disappointing night for boss Jack Ross as Hibernian failed to really test Rangers at the venue where the league leaders had dropped two points earlier in the campaign.

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Helander was one of the most impressive performers on the night for Gerrard's side and the Ibrox gaffer was delighted to see the Swede produce the kind of composed and commanding showing that fans have come to expect once again.

Gerrard said: "It is the reason why we kept him in the team and because he is one that will stand up. Positionally he is outstanding, you can see that he has been coached in Italy and been around Italian coaches.

"He gets blocks in, important blocks, and positionally he is always spot on. Over the course of the season it is impossible to ask Fil to play every game and sometimes we have pushed him too hard and he has had a niggle on the back of that.

"It is the same with Leon. We will manage that situation and it is a bit like horses for courses and whatever we feel we need.

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"He was outstanding, Fil, with some of the blocks and putting his body on the line.

"He is so low maintenance as a guy and a professional and the players love him. Again, I feel like I am praising every player but I think they deserve it."