Rangers warmed up for Monday's huge Old Firm by sweeping aside Motherwell as they ended the year on a high.
Michael Beale made it four wins out of four at the helm on his return to Ibrox, as he maintained a terrific 100 per cent start ahead of the showdown with Celtic. Beale named a stronger side ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash, with Borna Barisic returning to the fold. There was also a slot for Alex Lowry, with the youngster given his big chance ahead of next week's derby.
Barisic made an instant impact as he put in an excellent delivery which was met by Alfredo Morelos who headed past Kelly to put Rangers ahead. The Croatian was then at the heart of it again as he fired in a corner which found Connor Goldson whose header looped over the Motherwell keeper to double Rangers lead. The second half belonged to Malik Tillman who continued to impress for Beale with the Bayern Munich loan singing finding bags of space and linking up with Morelos.
Despite the points being wrapped up there was cause for concern for Beale when Morelos limped off ahead of the crunch Old Firm.
The attention will now turn onto the second Old Firm derby of the season as they face rivals Celtic at Ibrox. Here are three things we learned ahead of that massive clash:
Borna's Back
Barisic made his first return to league action after featuring in Croatia's incredible World Cup run.
The left-back came back into the fold in place of Adam Devine and you'd forgive some Rangers fans for wanting the youngster to continue, after some shaky displays under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
There is no doubt that the Croatian played his best stuff when Beale was last involved and tonight he rolled back to the Gerrard-era, bombing forward and putting in some excellent crosses.
His impact in the first half was there for all to see. His first pin-point cross found Morelos who bulleted a header past Kelly. A decent delivery for a corner then helped Goldson onto the scoresheet as Rangers took control.
As ever, the real test will come on Monday when Celtic come calling. Last time Barisic struggled to cope with Liel Abada and Celtic's threats. But this showing will give his manager hope he can turn it around.
Lowry's Chance
If there is one player on the fringe at Ibrox that fans want to see it's Alex Lowry.
The youth star lit up games last season with his tricky footwork and attacking abilities.
Games in the Scottish Cup and in the final stages of the league last season left many thinking Giovanni van Bronckhorst would have had him as a starter.
But a horror challenge for the B team early in the season put any of those rumours to bed.
Tonight, with a new manager at the helm, Lowry was given his chance as a surprise inclusion.
Lowry featured in an attacking quartet which included Kent, Tillman and Morelos.
And despite a slow, stuttering start the youngster soon found his feet. He even came close to getting on the scoresheet as he showed glimpses of what is to come.
It remains to be seen if it's enough for a derby debut come Monday, but Lowry is definitely knocking at the door.
Derby Decisions
Beale will head into his first Old Firm clash with plenty to mull over.
He's made it four out of four wins and tonight brought Barisic back into the fold.
That gives Rangers a more complete back four heading back into the showdown with Celtic.
But questions will remain over the attack and midfield. The inclusion of Lowry tonight would have many thinking he'll be set to start the duel with Ange Postecoglou's high-flying side. Glen Kamara was also thrown into the mix and could be a set starter to try and keep Callum McGregor and Co at bay.
Up top Beale will hope Colak and Roofe pass late fitness tests, with Morelos limping off.
There is a lot to ponder between now and 2023.
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