Derek McInnes admitted the final whistle brought the sweetest sense of relief as Rangers claimed their first win of the season with a five-goal romp over St Mirren at Ibrox. The former midfielder, who has endured a difficult fortnight since returning as manager, saw his side race into a two-goal lead before a defensive error allowed the Buddies back into the game.
First Win Under McInnes
Goals from Ryan Naderi and Vanja Dragojevic put Rangers in control, but Dragojevic's slack pass let Chris Mochrie pull one back before the break. A glut of second-half goals eventually fended off St Mirren's fightback, yet the blunder was enough to keep McInnes on edge.
McInnes said: “I probably enjoyed it the first time being manager of Rangers for a period in the first half. And then we lost the goal and I didn't enjoy it again! But I'm just glad to get a win.”
Penrice Debut Delight
The arrival of James Penrice, signed on a season-long loan from AEK Athens, has helped lift the mood. The left-back netted a goal and an assist on an impressive debut, bringing what McInnes described as “real balance” and “real quality and enthusiasm” to the team.
McInnes praised the new recruit: “James' desire to be here was clear in getting this deal done, but I need to find a board for allowing us to get James in. I thought his performance was as strong a debut you've seen for a long time.”
Naderi and Dragojevic Reactions
Ryan Naderi, who has struggled to live up to his £5million fee, opened the scoring and earned praise from his boss. McInnes noted the German's press is “remarkable” and that he is “exactly what we want at the top end of the pitch.”
Dragojevic's stunning volley won plaudits, but McInnes was not too hard on the 20-year-old after his mistake. He said: “He's young, he trains brilliantly, he is just eager to impress. Sometimes less is more for Vanja... Give me that all day.”
