After dropping a whole host of points in recent weeks, giving away their advantage in the Scottish Premiership title race, the Rangers skies are suddenly looking a little sunnier.
That 2-0 win over Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final proceeded a first league win in four on Sunday afternoon. Cyriel Dessers, Rangers’ Hampden hero, was at it again, towering and powering home a bullet header from a trademark James Tavernier cross.
But it wasn’t all good, particularly in Paisley.
That St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson feels his side could won the game let alone drawn it is proof that, while the result was far better than those against Dundee and Ross County, the performance was about a similar standard, only this time the big moments went their way.
Jack Butland helps Rangers stay in title race
“Frustrated,” was Robinson’s reaction at full-time. “Ultimately, I’ve had a lot of ‘well-dones’ this season from top-class managers.
“Philippe Clement was very complimentary about how good we are and (Celtic boss) Brendan Rodgers was the same a couple of weeks ago. But ultimately we’ve come out with no points from both games.
“We created enough chances today to win the game, never mind draw it.”
The reason for that, Robinson feels, was a typically unbeatable performance from Jack Butland in the Rangers goal. The summer signing won the club’s Player of the Year award on Sunday night and no wonder. Without his heroics between the sticks, the title battle may have already become another one-horse race.
“Their keeper made some terrific saves,” Robinson adds, Butland in inspired form once more against The Buddies. “He was terrific. He kept Rangers in the game with a brilliant save that obviously affected the result.”
Two Old Firm derbies to come
James Forrest’s brace away at Dundee means Celtic remain three points clear of Rangers with four games to go. It looks increasingly likely that The Gers may have to walk into Parkhead and walk out with a win if they are to end their rivals’ domestic dominance before the Old Firm cup final in late-May.
“I am over the moon,” Butland said following his silver-coated night at the Player of the Year awards. “It is always nice to get some recognition. I know I get it but it is your own team-mates voting for an award for you and obviously the fans as well so it is something special.
“It is an honour to play with them, an honour to play in front of them. It is nice to receive these awards.
“I have loved it (at Rangers). I have loved every minute. We are not done yet. It has been a great start on an individual note. As a team we got off to a difficult start and we had to grind and work together and that is what we did. We did it together.
“Yes, I have had to feature at times and I am really pleased with the moments that I have had. There are going to be some big moments between now and the end of the season too. It is a great honour. Really pleased about it and hopefully we can pick up some team silverware between now and the end of the season too.”
