Rangers get the job done at Easter Road

Hibs are in a sorry state

Rangers may have been better at Tynecastle on Saturday but their comfortable 2-0 win over Hibs was exactly what Walter Smith and his men required to get themselves back on track. Hibs have been deplorable of late but there was still a job to do and it was concluded by half-time with Rangers taking their chances.

Madjid Bougherra opened the scoring with a fantastic volley, showing what the centre half can add to the team in an attacking sense. This hasn’t been Bougherra’s best season in a Rangers jersey but he is still an important player. When opposition teams are playing with tight defensive and midfield lines, his rampages up the right wing can create space and confusion which Rangers capitalise on. It doesn’t always work but this goal, as well as goals against Stuttgart and Dundee United showed, when Bougherra has the chance to finish, he can do it with aplomb.

The game was over as a contest when Hibs debutant Richie Towell played a horrendous backpass which allowed Nikica Jelavic to round Smith in goals for Hibs and slot home to make it 2-0. The goal will do the confidence of Jelavic the world of good but couldn’t have done much for young Towell.

The rest of the game was mainly playing out time although Jelavic should consider himself very fortunate not to have been sent off in another major decision that at the very least, shows there is a big lack of consistency by officials in Scottish football.

Jelavic also has his opponent to thank for not collapsing under the weight of intent, other players may not have been so lucky with the number of players seeking to gain advantage and get their opponents sent off. As both Rangers and Hibs can testify, when the breaks are going for you, they keep going for you and when they aren’t, they most definitely aren’t.

There is talk that Arsenal scouts were watching McGregor and Bougherra but neither had much of an opportunity to impress at the back although the forward touches showed by the Algerian defender would have been worth a few comments and notes. Walter Smith indicated it is unlikely there will be any new faces in before the transfer window shuts but that is quite often the line spun to the media.

Even on current standings, Rangers will look to bring a loan singing or two in before the chance passes them by. If Arsenal do spring a shock move for either of the players, Smith will hope it was sooner….in an attempt to have money to strengthen or much later….in the summer.

A good win to get back on track and Rangers are set up nicely for the League Cup semi-final against Motherwell on Sunday. As for Hibs, it is hard to say where they go from here!

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