THE days of insurrection in the stands are firmly in the past for Rangers following a change of regime, the appointment of a new manager, the arrival of a batch of exciting young players and the adoption of a new footballing philosophy.

The optimism around Ibrox at the start of a new season was once again palpable as a boisterous crowd of 49,216 watched Rangers beat St. Mirren in their opening Ladbrokes Championship match of the 2015/16 campaign last night.

Yet Mark Warburton could find himself with a supporters’ revolt on his hands – if for some reason he decides against making Lee Wallace his captain permanently following his inspired individual display in this rousing 3-1 triumph.

The left back has been handed the skipper’s armband by Warburton following the departure of Lee McCulloch – but only while the new man in charge reflects on who to appoint on a full-time basis. Kenny Miller, Danny Wilson and even John Eustace, a trialist who hasn’t even been offered a contract, have been mentioned as possible alternatives.

The former Scotland internationalist increased his chances of landing the job hugely in this outing. The two first-half goals he netted and his all-round contribution proved vital to a victory which made it three wins in three competitive fixtures for his new-look side and put them, for a day at least, on top of the second-tier table.

Hearts didn’t look back after winning their opening league fixture against Rangers 2-1 at Ibrox 12 months ago. Could triumphing over a team which appears well capable of being one of their main rivals have the same effect on the Glasgow club this term? Only time will tell.

Warburton made two changes to the side which had beaten Peterhead 3-0 in the first round of the League Cup on Sunday. Jason Holt took over from Dean Shiels in central midfield and Tom Walsh replaced David Templeton.

Interestingly, there were no defenders on the substitutes’ bench. The versatile Andy Halliday is capable of playing at the back while Fraser Aird has been playing at right back for the under-20 side recently. However, they were shot of cover in that department.

Kenny Miller was also absent due to a suspension after going over the disciplinary points threshold in the Premiership play-off matches at the end of last season. He teamed up with his old strike partner Kris Boyd to perform punditry duties for BT Sport.

There was no place for Calum Gallagher, the promising young forward who many Rangers fans were surprised to see leave Ibrox earlier this week, in the St Mirren starting line-up. He found himself on the bench for the visitors.

It only took until the fourth minute for the home team to forge in front. Barrie McKay whipped a corner into the six-yard box and the ball spun out to the feet of Wallace. The defender rifled the ball into the roof of the net.

Warburton is insistent on play being built gradually from the back and given the quality of the football they have produced since he was appointed it is difficult to argue with that stipulation. But, at times, it gives supporters not used to such a cultured approach palpitations.

Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham attempted to pass to Rob Kiernan in 11 minutes at a time when St Mirren were applying pressure and a punt to safety may have been more advisable. Cammy Howieson intercepted and initiated an attack his team should really have done better from.

Wallace added his second in the 26th minute after being teed up with a beautifully weighted pass by Holt. The midfielder received the ball from McKay and then fed his team-mate at the perfect moment. The defender drove a left-foot shot low under Ridgers.

The excitement of it all was all too much for one Rangers fan who held the game up for several minutes after invading the pitch. His conditions could best be described as tired and emotional and it took several stewards and police to remove him.

Credit to St Mirren. They were well-organised and hard-working and suggested they will be contenders for promotion under their new manager Ian Maurray in the coming months. Paul McMullan in particular was outstanding and a real handful for the hosts in what must have been an intimidating environment.

The Paisley club pulled one back just two minutes after the second goal with a simple move which their opponents will not enjoy watching back. McMullan fed Cameron Howieson through the middle and the striker had the simplest of tasks to slot beyond Foderingham.

The Rangers side raised the roof with an attack which originated deep within their own half in the first half. McKay supplied Wallace who skinned Jason Naismith and hared forward down the left flank before picking out Martyn Waghorn. The striker failed to round off an impressive move.

St Mirren continued to acquit themselves well in the second 45 minutes and referee Kevin Clancy correctly awarded them a penalty in the 56th minute when James Tavernier tripped McMullan inside his own area.

Steven Thompson, the experienced striker who plied his trade for a while at Ibrox, was the logical choice to take the spot kick. But his attempt was awful and soared over the crossbar much to the delight of the home support.

Warburton put on Nicky Clark for the bright Tom Walsh and Dean Shiels for Holt after an hour. Shiels secured the first three points of the new term when he netted in the 89th minute of what was an outstanding game of football which both sides deserve great credit for producing.