Barry Ferguson’s Rangers mounted a comeback from two goals down to get back to winning ways in a tricky Scottish Premiership tie away to Kilmarnock.
The reign of the former Rangers captain got off to the worst possible start as Kilmarnock raced into a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes of the game.
But after Vaclav Cerny had hauled Rangers back into the game, an impressive second half response seen Cyriel Dessers score twice and Nedim Bajrami put some gloss on a 4-2 victory.
Here’s five things we learned.
Barry Ferguson brings bottle back to Rangers battle
Heading into the clash at Rugby Park, Barry Ferguson promised to bring back fresh energy to a confidence-sapped Rangers side.
But the former Rangers captain looked frustrated on the sidelines as Joe Wright found himself free at the back post to nod Kilmarnock in front after 11 minutes.
When Brad Lyons curled in a second the interim Rangers boss looked stunned.
But if there was ever a match that Rangers needed Barry Ferguson’s never-say-die spirit, it was here in Ayrshire.
With Rangers rolling their sleeves up and digging in deep to go and get the result against Kilmarnock, the Rangers comeback is evidence of progress.
There’s a long way to go but Rangers showed bottle in the battle for the first time in weeks and ran out deserved winners.
Clinton Nsiala sub proves Rangers won’t dally
Clinton Nsiala probably won’t look back on his performance against Kilmarnock with much joy but the truth be told Robin Propper could’ve also been hooked after a disastrous first half hour.
Both were given a torrid time by Kilmarnock’s physical forward line and with the Gers conceding chances every time the Ayrshire side romped forward, a change became necessary.
Off came Clinton Nsiala, who in his defence was playing only his eighth game as a professional, and Rangers reshuffled the defence.
It was a moment which turned the game with Rangers looking much more assured and calm when James Tavernier moved to centre-back.
We’ll talk more on that next but with regards the early substitution, it’s proof that Barry Ferguson and his Rangers backroom team are not scared to make big decisions and make them early.
James Tavernier plays centre-half blinder
They say that good players can play anywhere on the pitch and James Tavernier is one footballer who somewhat exemplifies that mantra.
Shifted into centre-back amid an injury crisis at Rangers which had forced Ferguson to play Nsiala and Propper, it was a calm, composed performance with real defensive discipline.
As a right-back, James Tavernier’s defensive qualities have routinely been questioned but moving into centre-back at Rugby Park the right-back was the most composed player on the park.
Without Leon Balogun, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Dujon Sterling or John Souttar available, it’s food for thought for Barry Ferguson.
Cyriel Dessers Rangers double sinks Kilmarnock
Cyriel Dessers took his account to 20 for the season with a deadly double v Kilmarnock which helped Rangers back into the lead.
But the Nigerian international striker was threatening to have one of those nights when he missed two glaring opportunities in the first half.
Coming out in the second period with a point to prove, Dessers nodded Rangers back on terms with a stooping header just five minutes into the second period.
Firing Rangers in front with a sublime volley finish from a raking Ridvan Yilmaz pass, Dessers will take the plaudits and the hitman deserves them.
Whilst there remains questions about how clinical Dessers can be as the Rangers number nine, the big striker just never quits.
Feel good factor threatens to return to Rangers fans
Rangers fans might end up with nothing to celebrate this season after a disastrous domestic campaign which leaves the club staring at a trophyless campaign.
The League Cup heartbreak is still fresh in the memory, whilst that Queen’s Park disaster-class was the final straw for many when it came to Philippe Clement.
That 13 point gap in the Scottish Premiership certainly feels insurmountable and Barry Ferguson has a free hit on Fenerbahçe in the Europa League.
But whilst there’s little to sing about, there is a sense the feel good factor could be returning to Rangers.
Barry Ferguson has breathed some fresh air into the building and hauled the team over to celebrate the Rugby Park victory alongside the club’s buoyant support.
There were signs of life in this Rangers performance against Kilmarnock and with a US buyout edging ever closer, 2025 could yet be a huge year for the club.
God forbid we start getting right on the pitch.
