THREE points were earned but many still need to be proven. This afternoon won’t define Pedro Caixinha’s Rangers career but it was an important one nonetheless.

The start of the new Premiership campaign is always eagerly anticipated but Rangers went into the league seemingly on the back foot. Having suffered one false start already this term, they had to avoid faltering at Fir Park.

In that regard, it was job done. There were encouraging performances and reasons to be optimistic but the victory over Motherwell was what mattered most for a manager and a group of players that had to get off the ropes and come out fighting.

This was the day that Rangers had been counting down to since they trudged off the park deflated and defeated at the Stade Josy Barthel four weeks ago. That nightmare evening seems so long ago, but the result against Progres hasn’t been forgotten or forgiven by supporters.

The Euro exit added another black mark on Caixinha’s CV and the Portuguese had to target an unblemished start to the domestic campaign to ease some of the external pressure on his shoulders. He has critics to confound and doubters to win over.

The Old Firm clash with Celtic seven games in is on the horizon but it is a case of one at a time for Rangers this term. The first one had to be won.

It was, and deservedly. The overall showing wasn’t perfect but the result was what mattered most here.

An early strike and a second half penalty from Graham Dorrans were the highlights of a classy display from the midfielder. They were also the decisive moments in an entertaining and competitive affair as the Gers got off and running in the Premiership.

It was no surprise to see the side that started at Hillsborough last weekend take to the field at Fir Park as James Tavernier and Niko Kranjcar both missed out. While Lee Hodson, the stand-in at right-back, didn’t make the most of his chance to impress, the same can’t be said of Josh Windass.

Few Gers fans would have been upset if the midfielder had become part of the Ibrox cull at the start of the summer but he had the travelling support on their feet throughout an eye-catching performance in Lanarkshire.

Starting on the left of the midfield four, Windass was a constant threat both down the line and cutting into the middle of the park. He saw a shot crack off the far post after a terrific run and would later hit the bar as Rangers looked to recover after the Steelmen levelled.

The equaliser late in the first half was a setback for Caixinha’s side after such a dominant start to the afternoon. The points could easily have been secured by the time Ben Heneghan converted Craig Tanner’s cross at the back post.

Chances had come and gone for the Light Blues by that stage and they only had Dorrans’ strike to show for their efforts.

Daniel Candeias’ free-kick was picked up by Bruno Alves and the defender found Kenny Miller at the back post. Dorrans lurked on the edge of the area and he was soon sprinting towards the away fans clutching the badge on his jersey after he fired the Gers into the lead.

It was the start that Caixinha would have dreamt of but his side couldn’t capitalise on their early dominance as Motherwell steadily grew into the encounter, with Louis Moult spurning a glorious chance at the back post.

There was plenty to admire about Rangers’ play, with Dorrans showing his talent in the middle of the park and Ryan Jack continuing to impress. But the half-time debrief in the away end, and the away dressing room, wouldn’t have been as positive as it could have been.

The next goal was crucial here and it should have been Rangers that got it just after the interval. Candeias was industrious on the right and squared the ball to Miller but the striker scooped his effort over from 12 yards.

Thankfully for Rangers, they didn’t have to wait long for their second of the afternoon. Once again, it was Dorrans that was the goal hero.

Whistler Bobby Madden had no choice but to award a penalty after Moult elbowed Fabio Cardoso and the striker was booked as Dorrans collected the ball. He then dispatched it into the net with a powerful finish that gave keeper Trevor Carson no chance.

The win was in Rangers’ sights but the points were far from secured as both teams went in search of the fourth goal of the afternoon.

Eduardo Herrera almost opened his account as he flicked a James Tavernier cross towards goal, while Ryan Bowman got a faint touch on a Cadden centre at the other end as Wes Foderingham breathed a sigh of relief.

The biggest gasp from the Light Blues came with just minutes to spare, though, as the ball broke to substitute Alex Fisher. His shot was blocked by Foderingham and the ball somehow spun narrowly wide of the post.

A late flurry of corners and half chances came to nothing for Motherwell as Rangers saw the game out, but only just. The final whistle certainly welcomed by those in blue.

The first three points of the campaign are on the board and another step has been taken on the road to recovery. There are still many required but this was a satisfactory and important start for Caixinha.