RANGERS suffered a third Ibrox defeat of their new games programme as Liverpool ran out 4-1 winners on Friday night.

The Reds clash was the latest test for the Gers’ second string but it was to prove another disappointing evening as they followed up their losses to Brighton and Leicester with another reverse on home soil.

Under-20 boss Graeme Murty was not on the touchline after being asked to take interim charge of first team affairs following Pedro Caixinha’s sacking on Thursday.

But Anfield legend Steven Gerrard made the trip to Glasgow and would have been pleased with a professional performance from his side.

It was not just Murty that the Gers Colts were without at Ibrox as a handful of players – Ross McCrorie, Jamie Barjonas, Kieran Wright and Ryan Hardie – were left out of the squad to travel to Murrayfield on Saturday for the Premiership match with Hearts.

There were still places for the likes of Aidan Wilson, Myles Beerman and Jordan Thompson, though, as Billy Kirkwood and Craig Mulholland looked to lead their side to victory.

That ambition suffered an early blow as Liverpool took the lead through Adam Lewis, the left-back converting from the spot after Wilson fouled Liam Miller.

It wasn’t the start the Gers were hoping for but they responded in the right manner and were soon level. Thompson split the Reds’ defence with a terrific pass from wide on the right and Matthew Shiels had time and space to pick his spot from twelve yards.

That was as good as it got for Rangers in the first half, though, as Gerrard’s side added another two goals to their tally and eased towards victory.

The first came after Rangers failed to clear their lines and Bobby Adekanye beat keeper Aidan McAdams from close range. Miller then got his name on the scoresheet with a clinical finish as he connected with a Lewis cross and found the top corner of the net.

It didn’t get much better for the Light Blues after the break. After McAdams saved well from Miller, Zak Rudden scooped a shot over from six yards as a rare chance was spurned.

Within seconds, Liverpool had their fourth of the evening. Rafa Camacho started and finished the move as he linked well with Adekanye and beat McAdams with a rifled shot from inside the area.

Rangers were given a glimmer of hope when George Johnston was shown a straight red card by referee Scott Lambie for a rash challenge on Stephen Kelly in the middle of the park.

Andrew Dallas, who was filling in at right-back for the night, saw a tame shot easily held by Caoimhin Kelleher before the Liverpool keeper was forced into action by substitute Ross Lyon as he fired in an effort from 20 yards.

The Gers kids stuck to their task in the closing stages but they could net another consolation goal as Liverpool recorded a well-deserved victory at Ibrox.