PHILIPPE Clement, along with all of the Rangers supporters in the 49,530-strong crowd, would have preferred it if his side had wrapped up the three points against Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday far earlier than they did.
If they can show greater fortitude in adversity going forward it could make a substantial difference to their on-field fortunes. Potentially, it could turn them from also-rans into champions. It was exactly the same story in the meeting with St Mirren in a league match at the SMiSA Stadium the following month. Tavernier cancelled out the second half opener that Jonah Ayunga had netted for the hosts with six minutes left. No winner was forthcoming.That proved to be Van Bronckhorst’s final match in charge. The Dutchman was, despite having a lengthy injury list, sacked during the World Cup break. His replacement Michael Beale got, initially at least, far more out of his squad at first.
Rangers shipped no fewer than 14 points in the Premiership in games in which they allowed their opponents to take the lead – and they finished seven adrift of eventual champions Celtic come June.