THE trip to Pittodrie led to the first blot on Giovanni van Bronckhorst's record and it was a particularly unpleasant bump back down to earth.

Rangers’ passive showing resulted in the first dropped points since Aberdeen came to Ibrox in October. It was an impressive run of results with most of them under Gio’s watch, but any sort of honeymoon period ends quickly at the club.

The manager appeared content to give Aberdeen space and time, intent to respond by hitting them on the break. Ultimately, too much respect was offered to the home side and they finally got a deserved equaliser. Van Bronckhorst is feeling his way back into Scottish football; it was a tough lesson but there is still breathing space and time to learn from it.

Stirling Albion’s arrival at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup sparked the usual early-round mixture of youth and fringe players. Not a great deal was learned from the fringe players, but a young Alex Lowry established his name at Ibrox with a goal and fine performance on his debut.

Lowry has been ploughing his trade against similar opposition to Stirling Albion in the Lowland League and it shows. There was no fear from the rough and ready style of the visitors and his composed performance showed a maturity beyond his years. Nathan Patterson made his own debut against Stranraer at this stage in the cup two years ago, fans can now hope Lowry has a similar or greater impact.

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One other shining light from the cup-tie was the efforts of Fashion Sakala. Taking up position on the left-wing, Sakala was ready and willing to run all night long. It was a torrid night for the Binos’ right-back who will have been feeling the strain on Saturday after a night spent chasing shadows.

There’s little to be gained in terms of assessing the quality of Fashion’s performance on Friday, but what was evident was his enthusiasm and endeavour. To paraphrase John Lundstram from the pre-match press conference, the Zambian truly did approach Stirling Albion as if it was Borussia Dortmund. There was no let-up in his approach and he was delighted when he scored; the enthusiasm is infectious and difficult not to feel a bond with.

The reticence to start Sakala has been understandable. The rawness in the early stages of his career has been evident, but in flashes, he has shown signs of a very good player.

Fashion now plays under a manager and in a formation where his skills are suited. Being able to hug the touchline, isolate a full-back, and drive at great pace.

It won’t suit every game against low-blocks with little space, but it still makes sense to play the Zambian. Hagi has looked lost on the right-wing and may need to settle for more time on the bench with Aribo’s scintillating form.

Scott Wright has had some good games of late, but I remain unconvinced by his ability to nail down a place in the starting line-up. No doubt he’s a decent squad option, but Sakala’s pace and eye for goal make him better suited for the first team.

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Most Rangers fans would still welcome the addition of another option on the right-wing and that is understandable. However, if only one player could arrive in this window, an alternative to Scott Arfield could be a smarter addition. Rangers have options on the right but current injuries show a vulnerability in variety in the middle of the park. Gio has shown a willingness to play a second midfield runner, if Arfield isn’t fit that becomes a big challenge.

The sunny disposition of Gio’s honeymoon period has quickly disappeared, but Rangers still have plenty to be patient and calm about. A player like Sakala has still to show all he can do, if he can step up in the next few months his input could be vital in a potential upcoming title run-in.