Rangers got the win they so needed to reach the Premier Sports Cup final and ease some pressure on Philippe Clement.
It was looking hairy at one point with Motherwell taking the lead through former Gers star Andy Halliday but full credit to the players as they dug in when it could have been easy for a team short on confidence to wilt.
There were some encouraging signs, including a well-taken winner from Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny and Nicolas Raskin joining him as strong performers.
But Cyriel Dessers’ performance was a lowlight, along with Tom Lawrence, Jefte and James Tavernier.
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Is there an issue with Dujon Sterling at Rangers?
Another potential problem picked up on is a possible situation with Dujon Sterling.
The utility man was a sub once again and did come on to perform a decent cameo, but two pundits reckon they’ve spotted something off with him.
It is claimed the Englishman looked disinterested in the warm-up and also that he was frosty with Philippe Clement.
Speaking on the Scottish Football Social Club, former Gers defender Alan Hutton said: “I was watching him as the teams came out, he looked disinterested. I watched him in the warm-up, he looked disinterested. I watched him at half-time, he looked disinterested. It was a worry.
“He even strolled by the manager, head down, he didn’t even look at the road he was on. It felt to me like something was going on.
“Don’t get me wrong, he then came on and burst into life, so fair play for that, but his whole demeanour looked off.”
Michael Stewart added: “Every time you see him, he looks like that. There clearly is a bit of needle there. For me, Rangers aren’t in the position where you can dismiss someone like that.
“This comes down to a manager’s own preference in terms of a power struggle.
“You put down your foot and you say ‘you’re not training hard enough or showing the right attitude, you’re not going to play.’ Or you twist it a little bit and get the best out of him.
“Any time Sterling is on the park, he improves Rangers’ team. He’s one of those characters who I think, from the outside looking in, he’s someone you can rely on.
“I don’t think he ever lets the team down. He’s a winner, he tries his all, and he has quality.
“If the manager was just to put an arm round his shoulder and say, ‘How are you? Are you feeling OK? You’re starting on Saturday,’ give him that (boost).
“I don’t think Rangers are performing well enough with enough good characters to play hardball with Sterling. You’ve got to find a place in the team for him.”
Hutton and Stewart revisit Sterling Rangers discussion
Hutton and Stewart previously discussed Sterling last week and a possible “red flag.”
At that point, they’d already seen something concerning after Clement had claimed he wasn’t fit enough.
But Stewart insisted Gers should find a way to the get the “winner” into the team as it would also give them what they’re lacking and some balance.
