GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST is confident Rangers will continue to improve after making it two from two in charge of the champions with victory over Livingston.

The Dutchman marked his managerial debut at Ibrox by overcoming Sparta Prague on Thursday night as Rangers progressed to the knockout rounds of the Europa League.

And a 3-1 win away to Livi saw Van Bronckhorst's side kick off a crucial run of Premiership fixtures with another largely impressive and comfortable display.

Early goals from Scott Arfield and Joe Aribo had the champions on course for all three points before Bruce Anderson gave David Martindale's side hope.

But a Fashion Sakala header clinched victory as Rangers ensured their fast start didn't go to waste as Van Bronckhorst was successful on his return to league action.

Van Bronckhorst said: "I think we controlled the game. We had a great start in the first 20, 25 minutes and scored two goals.

"We knew the chances would come with Scott in that manner and making his runs into the spaces. First goal was excellent.

"Second goal was also really good. A good positional game from us and a great shot by Joe. I think after that we lost a little bit of the intention of playing and also the speed of play.

"We were a bit sloppy and of course the 2-1 made it a real game. I think second half we controlled more, we didn’t give any chances away.

"If you control so much of the game you need to make sure you finish the game as early as possible and we kept Livingston too long in the game.

"Sakala from the corner kick I think was a relief for us because it 3-1 and after that we kept the ball and didn’t give any chances to play anymore."

It was to prove a pleasing afternoon all round for Van Bronckhorst as Rangers avoided a slip-up in freezing conditions and extended their unbeaten Premiership run.

The champions will now turn their attentions to the midweek trip to Easter Road as they eye revenge over Hibernian following their shock defeat in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals last weekend.

Van Bronckhorst's side also face challenging fixtures away to Hearts, Aberdeen and Celtic before the winter break as they aim to build some momentum in the title race.

And the Dutchman is eager to see Rangers burst out of the blocks as often as possible after an impressive opening half hour ultimately paved the way for victory here.

Van Bronckhorst said: "It is [a message to get across to start quickly] because you know if you go to these games, away to Livingston can be very hard. They can be physical, they play a lot of long balls.

"It was important to start well and defend also the second ball really good. I think we did it. The only time we got exposed was with the goal they scored.

"Overall it has been a really good performance from the team. Of course we will always have departments in our game that we can improve but we will do that.

"If you keep playing games like this, last Thursday against Prague and today also was a very confident display we showed.

"That also gives confidence to the players and now we have two more days to prepare for Hibs on Wednesday. It is another step we can take in our game."