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Glasgow Live
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Alan Galindo

Rangers 3 Kilmarnock 1 as Colak recall justified, Raskin and Cantwell impress - 3 things we learned

Rangers hit three goals past Kilmarnock as they put last week's League Cup Final defeat to Celtic behind them.

Michael Beale reacted to that Hampden loss by making four changes to his side with Antonio Colak, Nicolas Raskin, Todd Cantwell and Ryan Jack all showing up for the home side as they battered Derek McInnes' men at Ibrox. The game was done inside the opening 45 minutes with Connor Goldson netting with just five minutes on the clock. Fashion Sakala added a second at the third attempt after missing two big chances before skipper James Tavernier added a third from the spot just before half-time.

The home side didn't show the same intent from the off in the second period and Allan McGregor was beaten on the hour. He looked like he should have done much better as Jeriel Dorsett headed home. The fans showed their frustrations during the 15-20 minutes spell in the game but it was a return to winning ways and the gap between themselves and Celtic reduced to six points with Ange Postecoglou's men in action tomorrow. Here's three things we learned.

Antonio Colak celebrates with Connor Goldson after his opener for Rangers at Ibrox (SNS Group)

READ MORE: Rangers player ratings vs Kilmarnock as Michael Beale's men bounce back from Celtic defeat at Ibrox

Big Col

Antonio Colak was handed his big chance after returning from injury.

He's managed a consistent run on the training field under Michael Beale for the first time since his arrival and he was given the nod ahead of Alfredo Morelos.

Hold up play was spot on and linked up well with Rangers' midfield.

It's a big week with Hibs midweek and Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup next week.

Raskin the question

Nicolas Raskin was named on the bench last week against Celtic in the League Cup Final and it is one Michael Beale may well regret.

The Rangers midfielder has shown up well in his games to date and once again anchored this one at Ibrox.

He was back in the side alongside new recruit Todd Cantwell with the duo big part of the future under the new regime.

You can guarantee the former Standard Liege man won't miss out too often from here on in..

Perfect answer to start big week

Last Sunday was a huge disappointment for Rangers but they've bounced back and got a first win in a huge week.

The gap is down to six at the top for now ahead of Celtic's trip to St Mirren tomorrow afternoon.

Wednesday night brings a big battle at Easter Road against Hibs before the Scottish Cup quarter-final next weekend.

Raith Rovers come to Ibrox in what is a massive game in the hunt for silverware this campaign.

Game one of three ticked off and in style with XXX goals

READ NEXT:

- Alfredo Morelos' Rangers vs Celtic sub fury branded 'disrespectful' and 'doesn't look good'

- Ex-Rangers boss Graeme Murty 'in running' for Oxford United job in England's League One

- Fashion Sakala's Rangers howler blasted as Andy Halliday gives honest Celtic pre-match dig verdict

- Nicolas Raskin fires Rangers 'together' message after Celtic loss as he issues nine word rally cry

- Rangers 'rebuild' talk quashed as Kenny Miller tips four Michael Beale summer transfers

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