Rangers will discover their Scottish Cup last 16 fate tomorrow evening after victory over St Johnstone in Perth.
Borna Barisic was the hero on the day as his cracking finish into the top corner at the end of the first-half proved to be the difference as the holders kicked off their defense of the trophy with a single goal victory under the lights. The strike ended a drought of two years since his last goal and it proved a vital one for Michael Beale's side.
The strike came after an excellent flick from Malik Tillman allowed Fashion Sakala the chance to run in on goal and strike on the angle with his effort coming back off the base of the post before making it out to his team-mate who did the rest. The victory also maintains the unbeaten run under the new management and completes the perfect week after a League Cup semi-final extra-time win over Aberdeen at Hampden and a midweek win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Here's three things we learned as the holders of the famous old trophy pass their first hurdle.
Holders progress
Rangers won the competition last season and they are in the hat for the last 16 as they bid to defend their crown.
The Light Blues defeated Hearts last term to win the famous old trophy and they will be eyeing up back-to-back successes.
They return to Hampden next month for the League Cup Final and the aim will be to land that trophy along with this one.
First game ticked off and they can now look forward to the fifth round to see who they are paired with.
Al be back
Allan McGregor was once again back in for Rangers as the rotation policy of late continues.
Michael Beale stated previously that the veteran was Ibrox No1 but has been part of a rotation of late.
In the past five games including this one McLaughlin has played two league games against Dundee United and Kilmarnock while McGregor was in for the games with Aberdeen and Celtic.
He was called upon in this Scottish Cup tie in Perth with Robby McCrorie also promised time when he returns to full fitness.
Drought over
Borna Barisic ended his Rangers goal drought in stunning style.
Fashion Sakala - arguably the best player since Michael Beale arrival - cracked a low effort off the post with the rebound coming out to the left-back who fired his effort with the instep into the top corner of the net.
A goal fitting of the Scottish Cup and what a way to grab a first strike in a couple of years.
His effort earned praise from Rangers hero Ally McCoist in the studio - a man who knows all about scoring!
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