PEDRO CAIXINHA reckons Rangers’ fighting spirit shone through as they left it late to snatch a dramatic Premiership win over Partick Thistle.

The Gers were on course for another costly top flight defeat after Kris Doolan headed the Jags in front at Firhill.

But goals from Barrie McKay and Joe Garner in the final minutes won it for Caixinha’s side to ensure they booked their Europa League berth for next season.

The Light Blue legions were frustrated for much of the afternoon as Thistle held their own but the wait was to prove worth it in the end.

Read more: Chris Jack: Pedro Caixinha and Rangers board should be judged in the summerGlasgow Times:

Caixinha introduced Clint Hill, Jamie Barjonas and McKay in the second half as he switched his tactical approach on several occasions.

And the Portuguese’s perseverance paid off as the Gers got back on track after their Old Firm humbling last weekend.

Caixinha said: “Today was really important for us to show a reaction.

“I think we showed it in the second half and I need to be happy with that.

“We needed to change the course of the game and we managed it.

“The performance was disorientated. My passion and dedication to this sport is that I would rather die trying it rather than be alive to see what happens. And that is what the players did.

“We tried to change the formation in order to change the style of play.

“We went 3-4-3 in order to have Myles (Beerman) and James (Tavernier) to get wide and place crosses in the box. When Danny got injured we had to go to a 4-2-4.

“We took the risks, the players understood them and we were rewarded.

“I really like the way they understood and were committed.

“There were a lot of moments I really felt the passion from the players.

“If we were not together as a group I don’t think the players would celebrate like that at the end. I don’t think so.

“For me the season is not finished yet and we need to keep focussed for the last three matches.

“We needed to understand what the games was needing. We kept playing it short instead of wide. We needed to be more direct.”

Read more: Chris Jack: Pedro Caixinha and Rangers board should be judged in the summer

The last-gasp winner was a moment to savour for Caixinha as he prepares for a crucial week off the park and gets set to inform his squad of his summer plans.

McKay’s Ibrox future is in doubt after he turned down a new Gers deal but Caixinha was happy with his impact at Firhill.

He said: “I am always pleased when guys bring their quality and commitment on to the pitch.

“I’m very happy with Barrie and all the guys who performed like Barrie.

“It is a question of standards and that is what we are looking for.”