Rangers silence Celtic Park again but Derek McInnes sounds note of caution with title race still in its infancy

Derek McInnes was determined to keep Rangers' second Old Firm victory over Celtic in the space of a week in perspective - insisting that despite the significance of another derby success, the result will amount to little more than three points in the wider context of the season.

Ryan Naderi's first-half strike secured a narrow win for the Light Blues at Celtic Park on Sunday, completing another impressive performance against their city rivals after last week's Premier Sports Cup triumph at Ibrox.

Rangers controlled large periods of the contest and created enough opportunities to have won by a more comfortable margin, but a measured McInnes was reluctant to attach too much significance to the result in the context of the Scottish Premiership title race.

The victory moved Rangers three points closer to Celtic and ensured they avoided allowing the gap at the top to widen further. McInnes, however, was keen to stress that the season remains in its early stages.

“I wouldn't go overboard like that but it's such an important win for us,” he told BBC Sport. “To follow up on the back of last week was really important for us. In the context of the season it's just three points and it gets us three closer to Celtic.

“We understood if we lost the game the gap starts to put that distance a bit uncomfortable for us. We knew the importance of the game but it's still very early on and 80-odd points to play for.”

No away fans - no problem for Rangers

There was nevertheless a clear sense of satisfaction within the Rangers camp at the manner of their latest success, particularly given the age of McInnes's squad and the demands of playing at Celtic Park without their own supporters inside the stadium.

The manager did not believe their absence altered the demands of the fixture, arguing that Rangers are accustomed to having to silence a hostile home crowd when travelling across Glasgow.

“I do think that winning here, particularly with a young team, can only give them some much-needed confidence and added belief on the back of last week,” he commented. “Normally they're in the minority when they come here anyway unless it's a cup tie, so you have to quieten the crowd. There's similarities.”

McInnes challenges Rangers squad to become ‘far more clinical’

If anything, McInnes felt his players could have made the afternoon considerably less tense. Naderi's goal gave Rangers a deserved lead, but a succession of missed chances left the door open for Celtic to find a way back into the contest.

“At 1-0 we deservedly went in front and I thought we were just guilty of passing up so many opportunities,” said a wary McInnes. “While Celtic have got such an attacking threat when they're playing in front of their own fans, and Martin's trying a few things to try and find an answer, you're never totally comfortable because they've got that quality.”

On this occasion, however, Rangers' single goal proved sufficient. Although the significance of the victory was not lost on McInnes.

“Thankfully one was enough today,” McInnes admitted, while warning his players that greater efficiency in front of goal will be required in future matches. “We've said to the players some days it won't be and we need to be far more clinical.

"The fans weren't here but we know they're watching and we want them to enjoy their Sunday. That's something for them to enjoy, for us in the dressing room, but I want to stress the fact that it's only three points and early on.”

*The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly