NICKY Law has only played in two competitive games for Rangers since arriving from Motherwell earlier this summer.

The opposition on both of those occasions, Albion Rovers and Brechin City, has not exactly been formidable. So those already predicting future greatness for the midfielder would be well advised to reserve judgment for a while.

Over the years, many new signings for the Ibrox club have, like Law, been outstanding in their initial appearances.

Just two seasons ago, for example, Dorin Goian looked sensational immediately after joining from Palermo. The Romanian centre-back's form, though, faded considerably. Towards the end of his tenure he had become something of a liability.

Nevertheless, Law once again caught the eye - and then some - of watchers in the emphatic 4-1 win over Brechin at the weekend.

Operating as a deep-lying midfielder alongside Ian Black in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the trialist controlled the game for prolonged spells.

The Englishman was at the heart of all of the best attacking moves by Ally McCoist's side throughout the 90 minutes. He teed-up his Rangers team-mate Chris Hegarty for an early opening goal and then added one of his own later in the first half.

The 25-year-old is mobile, eager to be involved, has a wide range of passing and also possesses an eye for goal.

Three strikes in two games - he netted a brace in the 4-0 win over Rovers in the Ramsdens Cup earlier this month - is testimony to that latter quality. Neither does Law shy away from the physical side of the game, as rival player Alan Trouten could attest to at the weekend.

He took great umbrage at a foolish late challenge by his over-enthusiastic opponent in the second half and swiftly retaliated in kind. The influence of Stuart McCall - a true Rangers great who managed him at Motherwell for two seasons - is obvious to see in the player.

When the opening League One game of the 2013/14 campaign was over it was no surprise he was named man of the match for the second time in two games.

It is still early days for Law and Rangers and far greater challenges undoubtedly lie ahead but, already, the signs are highly encouraging.

McCoist has, along with many others, been impressed with how his new recruit has settled in to his new surroundings and is optimistic about the future.

"Nicky was terrific," he enthused after seeing his team move swiftly to the top of the league table. "I thought he did exceptionally well in central midfield."

Jon Daly was the other new player to get the nod to play as a trialist against Brechin - only two unsigned players can feature under SPFL rules - and he did not fare so well.

In the absence of captain Lee McCulloch, who was suspended, Daly was chosen by his manager to lead the line. A plethora of gilt-edged opportunities fell to the burly Irishman in the first half. He squandered every single one.

He may be the greatest ever goalscorer in Rangers history, but McCoist knew exactly how his new charge felt.

"I told Jon after the game I have had a couple of those out there myself," he revealed. "On another day, the big man would have gone up the road with the match ball."

The manager, whose name was chanted by fans who made their displeasure at the current custodians of the club clear, is unconcerned by the display. "He (Daly) will be absolutely fine," stated McCoist. "I have no doubts about his pedigree. He will score goals here.

"They (Daly and Law) are already two big players for us on and off the park. They train hard, they play hard and they are a great example to the younger boys."

Brechin, for whom keeper Graeme Smith was inspired, deserve credit for clawing their way back into the match after the mauling they received in the first half. An acrobatic Steve Jackson overhead kick left Rangers goalie Scott Gallacher with no chance and gave them a faint hope of pulling off an upset.

Late goals from Black, after his penalty had been saved by Smith, and substitute Dean Shiels sewed up the first three points of the season.

The victory should have been far more straightforward for Gers as their general play in the first half was excellent.

It is intriguing to speculate how the Glasgow giants will perform when their signing embargo expires on August 31 and they are allowed to field all eight of their new recruits instead of just two.

The biggest cheer of the afternoon on Saturday was not for any passage of play on the pitch. No, it was reserved for club legend Sandy Jardine, who has been bravely battling cancer, as he unfurled the Third Division flag in front of a bumper crowd of over 44,000 fans before kick-off.

As well as being a loyal servant to Rangers through good times and bad, Jardine was a genuine world-class player in his day, revered both domestically and in Europe. Despite their current lowly status in Scottish football's third tier, that is the level Nicky Law and other Rangers players should be aspiring to.