THIS was another step forward for Rangers. They can’t afford to take any back.

Mark Warburton’s side continued their progression up the Premiership standings with victory over Inverness but top spot is still out with their grasps.

The Gers are now level on points with Aberdeen and third in the table but that may only last for a few hours.

Their form to date has not been that of a side that will be highly competitive this term, never mind one that is capable of challenging for honours and the coming weeks will determine what their aspirations should be for the remaining months of the season.

This was another case of job done for Rangers. It wasn’t their most accomplished or polished performance, but it was won with a moment of magic from Kenny Miller.

The Gers continue to repair the damage that was self-inflicted in the opening weeks of the campaign in the league. Now they have a point to prove against Celtic.

Attentions will turn to the second Old Firm showdown of the season and further improvement is needed if Warburton’s side are to get revenge for their drubbing at Parkhead last month.

Rangers will at least head to Hampden on the back of successive Premiership wins and having shown signs of improvement in their recent outings. They are still not at the level required, but they are getting there.

Victory over Partick Thistle last time out was more than welcome for Rangers but Warburton would have been fully aware that another negative result against Inverness would pile more pressure on his shoulders.

This was the first outing since the tragic death of Gers fan Ryan Baird and the thoughts of the travelling Light Blue legions would have been with his family and the Nith Valley Loyal as they made the journey to the Highlands.

With the Celtic clash to come next weekend, Rangers had to return to Glasgow with another three points on the board and a spring in their step.

The only changes to the starting line-up from the Jags win came, once again, at the heart of the defence as Warburton returned to a familiar central defensive pairing.

The reshuffle saw Philippe Senderos drop to the bench, while Danny Wilson didn’t make the squad after picking up an injury in training. It meant Clint Hill and Rob Kieran were reunited in the back four, while the rest of the side remained the same.

There have been problems at both ends of the park for Rangers this term as they have too often found goals and clean sheets hard to come by.

With the variety of options he has in attack, it is no surprise to see Warburton mix and match in the final third. But a first choice pairing at the back must surely now be found.

There were early scares for Rangers when Lonsana Doumbouya headed over and Liam Polworth saw his shot gathered by Wes Foderingham but they were the best chances Caley could carve out until late in the half when Ross Draper saw a low effort gathered by the Rangers keeper.

By that time, Warburton’s side were already in front and on course for a much-needed win. The points could already have been secured.

Martyn Waghorn almost opened the scoring in spectacular style with a long-range effort that whistled over the bar but it was his forward partner who had the bragging rights.

This was Miller’s 100th goal for the Gers and the 36-year-old has scored few better. A Lee Wallace cross from the left found Miller at the back post and he rifled the ball in at the front post with a sweet first time strike.

Miller was denied by Owain Fon Williams just minutes later before Caley breathed a sigh of relief when a Hill header and Waghorn effort were scrambled clear following a Kranjcar corner. The second goal then would have killed the game, but the points were not yet secured.

Rangers made a bright start after the break as Miller fired in a shot at the near post, Barrie McKay’s drive rose over the bar and Jason Holt couldn’t convert from inside the area.

The Light Blues were comfortable as they moved the ball well and looked bright in possession. It was Niko Kranjcar who was at the heart of their play, the Croatian improving once again after his performance against Thistle that earned him positive reviews.

There was a Waghorn shot and a run from Holt, where the midfielder should have done better as he closed in on goal.

It was Richie Foran who made the first switches as Jake Mulraney and Aaron Doran replaced Iain Vigurs and former Ibrox loan star Billy King. With 20 minutes to go, Caley were still very much in the game when they probably shouldn’t have been given Rangers’ control of the game.

It didn’t take long for Warburton to also turn to his bench in a bid to get his side over the winning line. Joe Garner took over from Waghorn and became the focal point of the Gers attack, while Joe Dodoo replaced McKay on the flank.

Miller tried an even more acrobatic effort than his goal and saw his shot blocked before Caley almost scored on the counter, Doran’s tame effort cleared after he rounded Foderingham.

The game was far more open now as both sides searched for decisive goals and Doran was denied for a second time as Caley capitalised on a mistake from Holt and carved out another opportunity.

In terms of the performance, Warburton would have been satisfied overall. The points were the most important thing once again, though.

The win was not secured until the final blow of the whistle as Caley piled forward in search of an equaliser, substitute Alex Fisher coming closest with a header.

There was no late body blow to Rangers. Another Premiership test was passed, but an Old Firm examination now awaits Warburton and his players.