PETER LOVENKRANDS reckons Rangers’ dramatic winner at Kilmarnock would have been a significant psychological boost to Steven Gerrard’s side.

The Light Blues left it late on Sunday as Connor Goldson headed home in injury time to clinch a key victory on the opening day of the Premiership campaign.

Boss Gerrard had previously lamented the number of late strikes that went against the Gers last term as they fell short in the top flight title race and finished nine points adrift of Old Firm rivals Celtic.

But the winner from Goldson earned Rangers a narrow win after Stephen O’Donnell had cancelled out an early opener from Scott Arfield at Rugby Park.

The visit of Hibernian is next up on league duty after the Europa League trip to Denmark.

And former Ibrox star Lovenkrands knows how crucial a moment Goldson’s goal could prove to be as the title race unfolds in the coming weeks.

He said: “It was an important win. These were the type of games last season that Rangers would end up drawing and not getting the win. But this time it went the team’s way and it was fantastic to see. The team pushed all the way to the end and they deserved it.

“Even if Connor Goldson hadn’t scored with his header I think the referee would have given a penalty because both centre halves were wrestling. But it was very important win and a good start to the season.

“He (Gerrard) will definitely be pleased. These games cost Rangers last season and it was important to get off to a winning start especially after Celtic had won the day before.

“It also lets other clubs know that Rangers are capable of going all the way to the end and scoring last minute winners.

“Even if it finished 1-1 it was a tough game at a tough venue.

“But I think psychologically it was a very good result to get the goal at the time they did.

“It gives the team and a boost for the next match.”