KEMAR ROOFE MAKES THE MOST OF HIS CHANCE

With Alfredo Morelos nowhere to be seen at Ibrox, this was the opportunity that Roofe had been waiting for since his move from Anderlecht. It was one that he took as he claimed the Man of the Match award on his first start for Steven Gerrard’s side.

The striker is clearly still trying to get up to speed in terms of his fitness and his sharpness, but this was certainly his most accomplished showing to date. Marking the occasion with a well-taken goal will do his confidence no harm at all.

The chance is there for Roofe to become the new hero for Rangers in the absence of Morelos. This is a decent foundation for him to build on in the coming weeks.

KEEPER CALL WAS A BIG ONE FOR GERRARD

It has been some time since Allan McGregor has found himself sitting on the Rangers bench for a prolonged period, but that is the reality that he could now be facing. McGregor returned to squad, but not the starting line-up, after missing the opening weeks of the campaign through injury.

Boss Gerrard had insisted in recent days that the man seen as his first-choice keeper was not guaranteed to walk back into the side when fit and he chose to stick with Jon McLaughlin here. Given his fine form so far this term, it would have been harsh to drop the Scotland shot-stopper and he will hope the hold onto the gloves for the foreseeable future.

KILMARNOCK DIDN’T CARRY ENOUGH THREAT

There are few opponents that Rangers have found more difficult and stubborn to play against than Kilmarnock over the last couple of years. This one was no different.

Gerrard wouldn’t have needed much insight into how Alex Dyer would set his side up at Ibrox and the plan for the visitors was clear from the off.

They were here to stifle and frustrate, but for all their commitment to the cause they ultimately went down without a fight. Killie couldn’t impose themselves at all as an attacking presence and can have no complaints about being left empty-handed.