Partick Thistle 1-2 Rangers: Points are pleasing but the performance was poor from Pedro Caixinha's side

‘Do not wear our badge if you’re not prepared to give everything’ was the banner that greeted Rangers as they strode out at Firhill.

The next time the Gers make the trip across Glasgow, few of the players that grabbed the points here will be pulling on the Light Blue jersey. If this was their last visit, they will have a happy memory at least.

Victory was snatched from the clutches of defeat as Barrie McKay deflated Thistle and Joe Garner defeated them, two goals in the final minutes clinching a dramatic win for Rangers. It couldn’t have come at a better time for Caixinha.

Read more: Pedro Caixinha: Rangers showed their fighting spirit to battle back against Partick Thistle

The Portuguese has spent recent weeks assessing the squad that he inherited at Ibrox and deciding who he wants to stay and who he wants to go during a crucial summer for the Light Blues.

For many fans, the Old Firm humbling at Ibrox last weekend was the final straw and few would be against a significant turnover of players in the coming months. It appears as though they will get their wish.

Caixinha’s thoughts were never likely to be significantly altered by the outcome against the Jags but it was a chance for those he trusted with a jersey to make a late case for themselves.

Like on so many occasions this term, it was an opportunity that too many failed to make the most of. The joy of victory will mask the frustrations with the showing, though.

The Gers had dropped points to every one of their Premiership rivals apart from Thistle over the course of the campaign. On a sun-kissed afternoon at Firhill, Alan Archibald’s side should have completed the set.

There are just three games left now before the Light Blues can consign a miserable campaign to history and look to move forward to what they hope will be a brighter future.

In the next few days, it will become clearer who will have a part to play for Caixinha as the 46-year-old starts informing his players if they are part of his plans or not.

There was little that Caixinha could change in terms of personnel from the defeat to Celtic last weekend and his hands, like they have been since his appointment, are tied given the paucity of the resources he is working with.

There was a return for David Bates at the heart of the defence and Garner at the head of the attack, while Andy Dallas, Serge Atakayi and Jamie Barjonas were promoted from the Under-20 ranks to take up places on the bench.

With the finishing line now in sight this term, there is every chance that Caixinha will give more of his youngsters a chance to experience the first team environment. Many fans would rather watch them in action over the next three games than have to cheer on a side that has underachieved and underperformed time and time again this term.

The Light Blue legions made their way to Firhill expecting to see a reaction from a demoralising derby defeat but were left frustrated throughout until a dramatic finale.

Read more: Pedro Caixinha: Rangers showed their fighting spirit to battle back against Partick Thistle

Rangers had two early chances as Kenny Miller fired wide of the far post after he picked up a flick-on from Garner before the former Preston forward could only find the side of Tomas Cerny’s net from a Josh Windass cross.

That was as close as the Gers would get as they returned to the away dressing room a goal behind. It could easily have been worse.

Kris Doolan showed his poacher’s instinct to head home Christie Elliott’s cross and bring the home crowd to their feet in celebration after 15 minutes.

It was the start of a spell of pressure from the Jags and Rangers were rattled. Once again the reaction to losing an opening goal was not a positive one.

Keeper Wes Foderingham denied Ryan Edwards from just a couple of yards out before Elliott sent a low drive whistling by the left hand post. The second goal didn’t materialise for Thistle, but they were more than comfortable in the game.

By the 53rd minute, Caixinha had seen enough. On came Clint Hill in place of Martyn Waghorn as Rangers switched to a back three and James Tavernier and Myles Beerman were given more licence to get forward from their respective wide berths.

It was the end of another wretched afternoon for Waghorn but Caixinha could easily have hooked Garner or Joe Dodoo instead after seeing his side offer virtually no threat.

Rangers continued to toil as time ticked away. Thistle had victory in their sights.

Caixinha had to change his approach once again when Danny Wilson hobbled off injured and he handed Barjonas a debut before McKay took over from Jason Holt.

Read more: Pedro Caixinha: Rangers showed their fighting spirit to battle back against Partick Thistle

His impact was immediate and his influence was imperative for Rangers. With just eight minutes remaining, he poked the ball beyond Cerny from close range to save the Gers’ blushes.

The winner came with just seconds to spare. It was worth the wait for the Light Blue legions.

Miller made space for himself on the right flank and delivered a teasing ball into the area. It was Garner that rose highest and he powered a header beyond Cerny.

As Rangers celebrated, Thistle were left distraught. It was a win earned through perseverance and persistence.

The points ensured Rangers will return to the Europa League next term and saw them take another significant step towards third spot in the Premiership.

In a campaign of many lows and few highs, they are small linings in the clouds. Right now, Rangers, and Caixinha, will take any that come their way.