Derek McInnes insists Rangers' win over Celtic at Parkhead this afternoon was just another three points on the board.
The Ibrox manager took his squad into enemy territory and came away with a 1-0 victory thanks to a strike from the impressive Ryan Naderi before the break. Gers dominated their rivals for the second time in a week and McInnes was chuffed with the result.
He did, however, play down the importance of the success in terms of the Scottish Premiership title race as a whole with plenty more football still to come this season.
And while he was satisfied with the result, the boss took a calm approach to his reflections of the action at full-time. "I wouldn't go overboard like that but it's such an important win for us," he told BBC Sport. "To follow up on the back of last week was really important for us.
"In the context of the season it's just three points and it gets us three closer to Celtic so we understood if we lost the game the gap starts to put that distance a bit uncomfortable for us. We knew the importance of the game but it's still very early on and 80 odd points to play for.
"I do think that winning here, particularly with a young team, can only give them some much needed confidence and added belief on the back of last week."
Rangers had no supporters inside Celtic Park but McInnes was never too worried about that element creeping into the game.
"Normally they're in the minority when they come here anyway unless it's a cup tie so you have to quieten the crowd. There's similarities," he added.
"At 1-0 we deservedly went in front and I thought we were just guilty of passing up so many opportunities. And while Celtic have got such an attacking threat when they're playing in front of their own fans, and Martin's trying a few things to try and find an answer, you're never totally comfortable because they've got that quality.
"Thankfully one was enough today. We've said to the players some days it won't be and we need to be far more clinical. The fans weren't here but we know they're watching and we want them to enjoy their Sunday. That's something for them to enjoy, for us in the dressing room but I want to stress the fact that it's only three points and early on."Derek McInnes insists Rangers' win over Celtic at Parkhead this afternoon was just another three points on the board.
The Ibrox manager took his squad into enemy territory and came away with a 1-0 victory thanks to a strike from the impressive Ryan Naderi before the break. Gers dominated their rivals for the second time in a week and McInnes was chuffed with the result.
He did, however, play down the importance of the success in terms of the Scottish Premiership title race as a whole with plenty more football still to come this season.
And while he was satisfied with the result, the boss took a calm approach to his reflections of the action at full-time. "I wouldn't go overboard like that but it's such an important win for us," he told BBC Sport. "To follow up on the back of last week was really important for us.
"In the context of the season it's just three points and it gets us three closer to Celtic so we understood if we lost the game the gap starts to put that distance a bit uncomfortable for us. We knew the importance of the game but it's still very early on and 80 odd points to play for.
"I do think that winning here, particularly with a young team, can only give them some much needed confidence and added belief on the back of last week."
Rangers had no supporters inside Celtic Park but McInnes was never too worried about that element creeping into the game.
"Normally they're in the minority when they come here anyway unless it's a cup tie so you have to quieten the crowd. There's similarities," he added.
"At 1-0 we deservedly went in front and I thought we were just guilty of passing up so many opportunities. And while Celtic have got such an attacking threat when they're playing in front of their own fans, and Martin's trying a few things to try and find an answer, you're never totally comfortable because they've got that quality.
"Thankfully one was enough today. We've said to the players some days it won't be and we need to be far more clinical. The fans weren't here but we know they're watching and we want them to enjoy their Sunday. That's something for them to enjoy, for us in the dressing room but I want to stress the fact that it's only three points and early on."
