It was better late than never for Rangers as Scott Arfield delivered the quality for the only goal of the game in the 1-0 win over Livingston.
The popular midfielder immediately displayed his credentials on his return from injury to propel himself into contention for a start in the big game at Parkhead next Wednesday.
Prior to that the champions travel to Dingwall on Saturday to face Ross County with the 33-year old very likely to be a first pick given the difference that he made tonight at Ibrox, it was as simple as that.
Against Livi, Rangers were lop-sided and lacked balance in midfield with Glen Kamara and James Sands too silimar in their approach – in this typical game at Ibrox facing a low-block, a second defensive/holding midfielder is obsolete and especially when the options are limited like tonight, the adsence of a further attacker is acutely felt.
Alex Lowry got the nod as the middfielder tasked to support the front men and to his credit, he had another impressive outing. Yes, the lad is just 18 and too much should not be expected of him, but his game intelligence and technical ability is fantastic. He is already a good option for the manager as well as an excellent prospect with further development to come.
Chances came and went right beyond the hour mark with the Gers unable to break the deadlock.
Arfield’s introduction to the game came on the hour mark, at the same time as Kemar Roofe. Instantly, the presence of an ‘8’ on the pitch was visible with the movement and runs of Arfield, keen as ever to get into the box.
That is exactly what he done on 75 minutes when Borna Barisic picked him out with a clipped pass. A rare moment of quality arrived when the recently retired Canada international improvised with a deft outside foot finish to lob the ball over Max Stryjek into the far corner.
Delight, emotion, relief – the response of the players and supporters all around Ibrox was palpable.