Rangers backed up their Viaplay Cup success by easing to a routine 2-0 Scottish Premiership victory over 10-man St Johnstone at Ibrox.
First-half substitute Cyriel Dessers rifled home the opener after 28 minutes before the visitors had frontman Diallang Jaiyesimi sent off shortly after for a rash challenge on John Lundstram.
From then on, the Perth club offered little attacking ambition but they did well to restrict their hosts to just a handful of chances, with goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov producing smart saves to deny Dessers and Sam Lammers. But captain James Tavernier swept home a late penalty after Mitov has brought down Dessers to move the Gers within two points of league leaders Celtic.
Philippe Clement's side still have a game in hand, but will not play that match against Hibernian until after the winter break. This was Rangers third match in the space of seven days and while the tempo dropped in the closing stages, the hosts ran out comfortable winners.
Here’s our post-match Rangers player ratings from Ibrox:
Unused subs: Robby McCrorie (GK), Rabbi Matondo, Borna Barisic, Leon Balogun.
9. Sam Lammers - 4/10
Another hugely underwhelming showing from the Dutchman who saw a close range effort expertly blocked by Mitov in the second half. Has gone 10 games without being involved in a team goal. Subbed. | SNS Group
10. Ross McCausland - 6/10
Offered good energy and dribbling ability. Lacked an end product after getting into some dangerous areas. | SNS Group
11. Abdallah Sima - 5/10
Has four attempted shots but this was fairly substandard display from the attacker. A frustrating night considering Saints had only ten players on the pitch. Subbed. | SNS Group
12. Kemar Roofe - 3/10
Making his fourth league start of the campaign, the forward had an early effort blocked by Considine before being forced off injured after just 16 minutes in what is turning out to be a hugely frustrating time for the Jamaican. | SNS Group