RANGERS made it five successive Premiership wins for the first time this season with a 1-0 victory over Hibernian at Ibrox.

Jermain Defoe netted the only goal of the game as Steven Gerrard’s side produced an accomplished first half showing. Chances were harder to come by after the break, but Rangers were still worthy winners as they beat Hibs at the fourth time of asking this term.

Allan McGregor was sent off with two minutes remaining for an incident with Marc McNulty as he kicked out at the Hibs striker. Ross McCrorie took over between the sticks in what was a frantic end to a game that Rangers should have wrapped up long before the whistle.

RANGERS HAVE FOUND A WINNING FORMULA

A lack of consistency, both in terms of performances and results, has blighted Rangers this season. Ultimately, it cost them any chance of winning the Premiership title.

Recent weeks have been pleasing for Gerrard and supporters, however. The tweak of system and ability to select largely the same starting line-up has paid off for Rangers and victory here was their fifth in succession in the top flight.

The new shape in midfield has certainly paid off, while Defoe and Steven Davis have benefitted from a run of games as Rangers have now seen off Hearts, twice, Motherwell, Aberdeen and a Hibs side that were in decent form themselves.

The improved results are the most important aspect of recent weeks, but there is encouragement to be taken from the showings as well.

GERRARD WAS RIGHT TO STICK WITH DEFOE

When Alfredo Morelos has returned from suspension earlier in the season, Gerrard seemingly had no choice but to bring the striker straight back into the starting line-up. The acquisition of Defoe in January changed that, though.

Gerrard had a decision to make ahead of this one, but it was a fairly easy one to make. He choose to stick with Defoe, and was rewarded by his former England team-mate.

Defoe really should have scored 19 minutes in when he pulled a low strike wide of target, and he couldn’t convert when Ofir Marciano spilled Ryan Jack’s effort. But he got the goal his first half display deserved as he converted from six yards to open the scoring.

STEVEN DAVIS HAS EARNED HIS IBROX DEAL

Davis signed a one-year deal with the Light Blues this week and proved why Gerrard was so keen to retain his services with another terrific display here. His vision and range of passing was superb and he unselfishly set up Defoe for the opener rather than going for the first goal of his second spell.

Davis may be in the twilight of his career, but there have been enough glimpses recently that prove he can still be a hugely influential performer at this level and he is getting fitter, sharper and better with every week. With a full pre-season under his belt, Gerrard will be confident that there is even more to come from the 34-year-old.

THE OLD FIRM WILL BE THE BIGGEST TEST OF RANGERS’ IMPROVEMENTS

Rangers have put together the kind of run that they had to earlier in the season if they were going to have any hope of toppling Celtic in the Premiership. Now they must prove they can continue it in their toughest challenge of the post-split schedule.

The last derby at Ibrox proved to be a false dawn for Gerrard’s side. There won’t be as much at stake for the fourth Old Firm of the season this weekend, but it is an important one nonetheless for the Gers.

Wracking up routine wins is one thing, but it must be followed by victories in the big games. And they don’t come much bigger than Celtic as Rangers look to finish an ultimately unsuccessful season on a positive note.

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM’S UNBEATEN LEAGUE RUN IS OVER

When Heckingbottom replaced Neil Lennon in February, the Europa League would have been an ambitious target. With two games left, that hope is now over, though.

It hasn’t been for a lack of trying for Hibernian and the defeat at Ibrox was the first that Heckingbottom has suffered in the Premiership.

Hibs didn’t really give themselves a chance of victory here. It was a somewhat insipid display and Rangers were more comfortable than the scoreboard suggested for long spells.