Rangers boss Philippe Clement has praised midfielder Tom Lawrence for the "new role" he played during the 2-0 victory over St Mirren.

A double from Abdallah Sima secured the three points for the Ibrox side as they returned to winning ways after back-to-back draws.

And Clement was keen to highlight Lawrence's contribution. Speaking to Rangers TV, he said: "To win in that way and almost give nothing away while having control of the game and getting good chances, I am really happy with the players starting and the players coming in.

"We did not reward ourselves in the last two games and today we did although it could have been more than two.

"Keeping a clean sheet by not taking too many chances, I think there was one really good save from Jack [Butland] from distance, is important.

"There were also a couple of interesting things such as Tom Lawrence in a new role, okay there were some different circumstances with the injuries, but we had to find solutions and he played a really important role in the football we wanted to play.

"It is very important that everyone is available for the team in every position, and they are doing that.

"You see players starting and players coming in. Everyone is involved and is taking their chances and that is an important thing for the next couple of weeks because we have plenty of important games."

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Sima's two goals take him up to 11 for the season as he continues to make an impact on loan from Brighton.

The forward also recently became a father for the first time and paid tribute to the new addition to his family during his celebrations.

And Clement hopes the 22-year-old's run of form can continue. "He took both his goals really well and we spoke about that this week with him,” he added.

"We told him he needs to be in the box more and be really hungry to score goals as he has plenty of power and a good shot.

"He has had a few good weeks, last week he gets a baby and now he scores two goals. Hopefully, he has a really good Christmas period."