STEVEN GERRARD reckons Rangers showed their champions qualities as they came from behind to see off St Johnstone.

A Kemar Roofe penalty and stunning James Tavernier effort cancelled out Michael O’Halloran’s opener for the Saints.

Rangers raised their levels after a lacklustre first half and were deserved winners at McDiarmid Park as they attempt to build some momentum in the Premiership.

And Gerrard was proud of the effort from his title-winning squad as they came to the fore and ensured they didn’t falter on the back of their Old Firm victory a fortnight ago.

Gerrard said: “In the first half we didn't do too much wrong but we didn't have that bit of magic or quality in the final third.

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“In the second, we went a goal down and it became more complicated.

“But that's what champions do, they find ways and they find answers. That's what my team has done today so credit to the players.

“We competed really well, we did the ugly bits well but it was just that bit of quality we were lacking. It was the last pass or cross where we just needed a bit more.

“But it certainly came to get us the three points. Because in any game of football that's a world class finish from James.

“I also liked our build-up play leading to the penalty. I don't think St Johnstone will have any complaints because it was a blatant penalty.

“That was us pushing, knowing we were 1-0 down and our big players had to roll their sleeves up.

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“They had to produce for us and that's what happened.

“We produced a bit of everything at 1-0 down, character and quality. We're champions for a reason.

“Because we've got good players but we also know how to win.

“We had to go late and deep to find a win against Celtic and it was the same today.

“That's what gets you there in the end, finding a way when you're asked questions like that. St Johnstone asked it today and we found answers.”