If any minor positives can be taken from the game on Wednesday, then the first is the return of Ryan Jack and the way he asserted himself on the pitch.
In the second half at Parkhead, despite the game being lost, Jack was a very capable operator, going about his business with tenacity and urgency. It was a cause for optimism of what is to come and just hopefully, his injury issues will not resurface.
His shot from distance pinged off the bar to compound the misery in the heavy derby defeat but it’s now gone and what happens next matters most.
The Aberdonian was frank and upfront in his immediate post match thoughts, with his honesty appreciated. He knows fine well what was missing but it will take a combination of better tactics from the manager and far more application from the players if this lacklustre form is to be arrested.
Jack was clear in his message to the dressing room, as told to Rangers TV:
“For us as players the club and support that we are leading, we need to lead and stand up and be counted.”
“I don’t think we were close enough, we were too passive, standing off and not making tackles. This fixture is about winning the battle first, it’s always a battle especially coming to Celtic Park, the crowd are up and you know it’s going to be a battle.”
“I just don’t think on that side of it we really turned up and on the flipside, we concede the goals which for us are bad to lose. We need to take our medicine, stand up and have a reaction come Sunday…”
🎥 REACTION: Ryan Jack spoke to @RangersTV after tonight's match against Celtic. pic.twitter.com/K9OAl0Ndhm
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) February 2, 2022
It is expected that the Scotland international will retain his place for the visit of Hearts on Sunday as one of a few changes to the starting line-up.
A worrying trend of evidence is emerging on the pitch so if Rangers are to stay in this title race, we need to see some changes and to get more from those who are underperforming. Meetings and training behind the scenes at Auchenhowie simply have to produce this outcome with the first response required against good opposition in the form of Robbie Neilson’s third placed side.