Rangers faced St Johnstone tonight looking to kick on from the last two season defining games with the potential of closing the gap at the top of the league table on offer.
Gers boss Philippe Clement was limited in terms of being able to rotate his squad but still had one eye on the Old Firm derby before the winter break.
In an entirely different type of game at Ibrox, who stood out for Rangers against St Johnstone and who looked like they were running on empty?
Rangers v St Johnstone player ratings
Here are your player ratings for Rangers v St Johnstone.
Jack Butland – 6
An observer before Saints went down to 10 men and even quieter after.
James Tavernier – 7
Spent most of his time in the final third around the penalty area, nearly scored a screamer shortly before half-time.
Should have made it 2-0 – twice.
Made it 2-0 at the third attempt.
Created the opener – standard.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 5
Playing like someone who isn’t playing regularly.
One minute makes a great run, then plays a defence-splitting pass only to then give the ball away three times in a row with simple passes.
Always a willing runner though and not short of endeavour.
Connor Goldson – 7
Basically played in midfield for most of the game, nearly added an assist with an inch perfect through ball for Tavernier.
A silly booking for a foul on Chris Kane.
John Souttar – 6
Nearly went off in the first minute with a blow to the face but recovered to almost open the scoring but for a goal line block.
Used his pace and passing well throughout.
John Lundstram – 6
Dictated the tempo of our play from the first whistle, took a heavy knock at the red card incident but ran it off.
Key to Philippe Clement’s tactics but no risks taking and he was replaced at half-time.
Kieran Dowell – 6
First start since the summer pretty much but some of his passing was as good as we have seen all season, close to playing Cyriel Dessers 1v1.
A promising, and timely return but tired in the second half.
Ross McCausland – 6
Blessed with the inconsistency of youth which is doubled when you take his position into account.
Some good work and ball carrying which caused St Johnstone problems was tempered with the odd occasion where he held onto the ball too long.
Sam Lammers – 3
You want to be supportive but so much falls down in the attack when it comes to the Dutchman, but for injuries he would be nowhere near the starting XI and needs to start offering something.
Needs to start adding goals and assists, he’s been here long enough now.
Abdallah Sima – 6
Always seemed to threaten and the Saints seemed to be worried about him but Ridvan kept overlapping too but final pass from or to him wasn’t quite there.
Usual shift in terms of energy though.
Kemar Roofe – 3
Had one lovely touch, turn and shot that was well blocked by Andy Considine but it was his last involvement.
Hooked after 15 minutes, presumably through injury.
Substitutes
Cyriel Dessers – 7
First choice number nine not just by default now, could have had the match ball sealed up by half-time but for good goalkeeping.
Took up some great positions and created chances for teammates too, should have done better with a chance of his own creation in the second half.
Great run and touch to win the penalty – gave him the edge as man of the match.
Dujon Sterling – 6
Half-time substitute for John Lundstram and matched his older teammates work rate and intensity.
Another who should have done better with a chance that they had though.
Scott Wright – 6
Just back from injury but barely touched the ball but played Dessers through to win the penalty.
Todd Cantwell – 6
Looked instantly sharper than Lammers and almost got in behind with his first involvement of the game.
Leon King – 5
Not on long enough to make an impact, interestingly, came on in midfield.
