STEVEN GERRARD has warned Rangers they must be sharper out of the blocks after recovering from an early setback to beat St Mirren.

The champions found themselves behind after just four minutes as Connor Ronan scored from distance and Jim Goodwin’s side were well on top during the opening exchanges.

In the end, a Kemar Roofe penalty and goal from Alfredo Morelos – as the striker hit the 100 mark for Rangers – ensured the visitors consolidated their place at the top of the table.

But Gerrard was frustrated with the manner of the lacklustre start in Paisley as he urged his side to hit the ground running and avoid the need to produce valiant comebacks to clinch the points.

Gerrard said: "We are pleased with the result and the outcome of the game but it's taken us 20-25 minutes to get going.

"I thought we were second best in the opening stages, St Mirren started really aggressive, they were on the front foot and they were the better team.

"We conceded a poor goal from our point of view, it was a square pass.

"To be fair to the kid it's an excellent finish and I thought he played well throughout the game. But from that moment our reaction and our character was top drawer.

"We've managed to flip the game before half-time and we've managed the second half really well.

"We intended to go and get the third goal but it didn't feel like it was coming so it was about shutting up shop for the latter stages.

"I'm not going to use Thursday night as an excuse. To be fair to Jim he had his team out the blocks really quick.

"St Mirren played some good stuff and they deserved to go into the lead.

"From my point of view I need to look at that and ask why that was the case.

"We need to be better at starting games after Europe, especially away from home that are going to be challenging. We need to come out the blocks a lot sharper."