Vaclav Cerny emerged from the groans that met his selection in Rangers starting XI to face St Johnstone with his best performance since signing in the summer.
A stunning double strike was enough to secure all three points with his manager being rewarded for sticking with the recently maligned winger.
The Czech international arrived as a player expected to make a difference in the squad but has stuttered in recent weeks with a fall-out with Rangers fans not doing himself any favours.
Fans react to Vaclav Cerny honesty in Rangers press conference
The goals help, but what should also see those who have been quick to criticise the 26-year old, is his post-match press conference where he opens up on his recent struggles.
Cerny was targeted for abuse on social media and, similar to Spurs forward Brendan Johnson, seems to be reaping the benefits of deleting the apps.
It is a five-minute insight into how form and negative attention can affect a player with fans welcoming how freely Cerny spoke:
Cerny shows mentality needed to be a success at Rangers
What Vaclav Cerny also does in the presser, is take individual responsibility.
There are no soundbites, no media trained, pre-prepared answers.
He is honest and shows a real desire to prove that he can be a success at the club.
Given the chance to make excuses about moving to a new club, needing time for him and his family to settle, Cerny instead faced up to the question:
“I mean, it’s tough, but in the end, I don’t care if anybody understands or not, it’s part of the game,” Cerny said. “And it’s your choice to join the club, and it’s your job to be ready as soon as possible.
“I wasn’t struggling in the beginning, obviously, and so that’s on me, all of that. But in the end, you get a family, you need to settle in.
“It’s not only you playing football, that’s not important now, but in the end, it’s about how you react to things, and I think today was a good reaction, and I want to build on this.”
It was a breath of fresh air from a player who recently fell out with fans.
Cerny hasn’t just won fans over with his two goals, but letting fans see the person off the pitch, he will probably get more support from them than he did before – he also repaid the manager, who put his trust in the winger.
They might even think twice before groaning next time he cuts back onto his left foot instead of driving down the touchline.
After all, the last time they did it, he ended up scoring.
