Over the last number of weeks, Rangers have looked shaky at the back.
There have been no hammerings, no complete howlers by any one individual. Yet, a sense of vulnerability has been ever present.
At Tyncecastle, Gareth McAuley’s unfortunate, if a little clumsy, own goal, gave the hosts a sniff.
The centre-backs weren’t quite at the races in the early stages against Aberdeen either, when Scott McKenna found space in the box to finish well.
Similarly, at Dundee, both Joe Worrall and Connor Goldson should have done more to prevent Kenny Miller’s opening goal.
Then, in Vienna, there was palpable tension throughout. It was an edgy performance in which the Gers ultimately failed to shut out Rapid.
However, Sunday’s match against Hamilton brought a much needed clean sheet.
With just 12 goals in their 18 league matches so far this season, The Accies aren’t exactly potent. However, a successful shut out always breeds confidence.
It’s a platform to build on going forward and it should go some way to settling veteran Gareth McAuley, who has looked a little unsure of himself since returning from injury.
While the team searches for more goals, it’s vital that it’s kept tight at the back.
With Hibs up next, Rangers can’t afford to grant their opposition the same freedoms that Celtic did on Sunday.
