Winning ways...

So, two victories on the bounce in the SPL against Dunfermline and Hearts respectively and a distinct sense of continuity with the team selection gave credence to the notion of the side starting to settle just a mite.

While neither of these previous two performances quite scaled the illustrious heights of the likes of the previous show against Hearts or the impressive display in Tuscany, they nevertheless gave just a glimmer of hope that the side could string together some kind of consistent run in the league, although clearly much work would be needed to enact this.

Team news today supported the current faith from Le Guen in the eleven who have, by and large, formed the same team for the past three games. Only one change was enforced, that of Papac filling in at left back for the injured Smith. Known as a reasonably cultured defender, it was also reasonably widely reported that he was adept in the left back slot as well, making his place in that position in Smith’s absence a no-brainer.

Otherwise, it was the same team as in recent games.

Surprisingly, for once, there was no major news behind the scenes or in the press surrounding the Ibrox club leading up the game. In fact, it was conspicuous by its absence, particularly during Radio Scotland’s coverage on Saturday of the SPL – very few words were spoken about Rangers throughout the entire programme, with the lion’s share of the broadcast focusing on Celtic. However, the saying goes that no news is good news, so by that reckoning Ibrox was a fairly harmonious place leading up to Sunday’s encounter.

Moving indeed onto aforementioned match, Kilmarnock were the visitors, a team who stole a point from the previous game between the two sides at Rugby Park, so if past history was anything to go by, Rangers had to be especially vigilant.

The opening five or so minutes were shaky to say the least, with the away team attacking like a side possessed, forcing two early corners in a row. Once their threat had been tempered, however, a fine opening strike from Adam imposed Rangers as the side in control of this game. Many of the blues’ players were on song, with Ferguson expertly pulling the strings in midfield; he truly is in sparkling form at the heart of the team, and gives Rangers an extra dimension of class sadly lacking from the majority of the rest of the side. Clement and Adam aided the engine with purpose, although Adam maybe lacked a little touch of overall contribution and involvement.

Once the newly-resurgent Novo had chipped in a cross finished by Boyd, it was patently clear Rangers were going to take all three points away, and Prso’s fine solo effort deep into the second half confirmed the direction of the bounty.

Indeed, the guests barely threatened, such was the efficiency of the defence; a radical improvement over the shambles in France. Bar one momentary lapse of understanding between Hemdani and Svensson, the central defence was comfortable, assured and extremely solid. Frankly, it was probably Karl’s best display in the jersey, and one can only hope he takes it and really settles into the side and the league. Hemdani next to him was calm and composed, and a touch of real class at times. He might not boast the physical strength and presence of many backline bruisers, but he has superb distribution and fine control of the ball.

A last mention must go to Prso, who might not have the movement and pace of his younger years, but continues to work remarkably hard, and inspires those around him. He is a fine example for the team to look up to, the captain included, and it’s a sad fact to see his best years behind him.

So then, three goals to the good and three victories on the spin. Le Guen was pretty pleased in the post-match interviews, and the performance justified his joy. Perhaps the best team performance of the season, Hearts game excepted.

The only black spot to a perfect afternoon was the dismal showing of Papac. He looked completely out of sorts, unsure of what he was doing, who to mark, or even what day it was. He was a liability and more sorely tested would have been exposed. If Naismith had had the gumption and confidence to drive at the Serbian, he could have gleaned much more from the match. As it was, he was barely involved, and Papac didn’t have to tolerate a grand threat. Papac, and Rodriguez on Thursday show just how bare the left back slot is with Smith out of the equation, and Murray only being a bit-part player who isn’t even fit.

This is only one area to be strengthened in January, but nevertheless, the current state of the side is just a little bit healthier than only a few weeks ago compared to the atrocity against St Johnstone.

Keep it up guys.