THE most important thing is Rangers winning.

It’s absolutely wonderful when we stroke it about, entertain and score lots of goals in thrilling wins. But in a long season that can’t always happen. So when we face a match with several missing first-team players, the most important thing is winning.

That’s exactly what Rangers did against Livingston last night. You can’t take Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi out of this side and then expect a free-flowing attacking performance. That quality is hard to replace when one is missing, never mind all of them. Chuck in not being able to start Fil Helander, Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack, Leon Balogun and Steven Davis also, then it’s obvious this team will not be able to play to its capabilities.

Then factor in horrible weather, a well-drilled opposition like Livingston and this becomes a huge obstacle in our title chase.

The league leaders are a good side with a strong squad, take a near ten players out of that and we will struggle, but that’s where players step forward. Alex Lowry has taken his opportunity and looks technically assured. Fashion Sakala produced a tenacious performance to drive his team forward. However, some of the squad isn’t up to scratch either and that can happen.

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We know that transfers haven’t quite worked every time so there is pressure to bring in new talent. A signing or two would help our title push and it’s needed to freshen the team. There is context to everything and it’s not always critical, Rangers haven’t had a lot of money to spend and have taken a gamble on a player or two which hasn’t always worked. However, for every player that hasn’t worked, there is a £50k Glen Kamara or a £300k Aribo, both of whom will make the club a lot of money.

By Monday evening we will know where we are, however, I have a feeling Rangers will deliver the fresh blood needed, whether a winger or a midfielder I remain confident that player will arrive. The squad badly needs some reinforcement. 

In the absence of our Kents and co, Arfield stepped up to produce the necessary magic. Sakala was at the heart of it all and his runs had caused problems all night. Sometimes it doesn’t always come off, but his attitude is superb and radiates through the squad and stands who watch him. His one-two freed Borna Barisic whose cross was looped home by Arfield in an absolutely brilliant finish, provoking memories of a scrambling Ian Andrews.

Arfield is someone I would deal in for next season without hesitation and another year deal would always be on the table as long as he wants it. He is different from our other midfielders, he can make those forward runs, he can take those long-range shots and finish expertly well. His runs beyond and ability to take up positions is exactly what earned three vital points against Livingston.

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Sakala has shown the attitude and the desire to do his chances of more football no harm either.

31 points out of 33 points is not a terrible situation to be in and yes it can be better, we can play a lot better and we do need a player or two. It can be made healthier with the return of some key personnel and the arrival of others.

It’s on to Ross County for Rangers and another win is required because that’s what it’s about on Saturday, last night and beyond.

That’s life at Ibrox and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Some in this squad may not make it here, some in this squad should be allowed to stay longer and new faces will be welcomed.

But as long as we win that’s all that matters, that’s why last night was so huge. Get the points, keep the zero and keep going. Get our players back, welcome a new face or two and this squad will deliver the wins required.