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.
13. Cyriel Dessers (SUB) - 9/10
Really starting to prove his worth. Introduced earlier than expected for the crocked Roofe and the Nigerian impressed again. Turned Tavernier's cross through the keepers' legs to break the deadlock then had a deflected strike well saved. Tripped by Mitov to earn his side a penalty late on. | SNS Group
14. Dujon Sterling (SUB) - 7/10
Brought on for the injured Lundstram and again excelled in a makeshift holding midfield role. | SNS Group
15. Todd Cantwell (SUB) - 3/10
On for the ineffective Lammers but didn't have a huge impact on proceedings. | SNS Group
16. Scott Wright (SUB) - 5/10
Introduced for Sima as part of a double change on 68 mins. Supplied the pass to release Dessers through on goal that led to the penalty award. | SNS Group